As news of Gyna Bivens’ passing made its way through social media and text messages, the reality that I would no longer be able to communicate with her began to sink in. But her death should not be the only thing that becomes real about Gyna — especially for those who knew her personally or professionally. Gyna was about business: her business, Fort Worth’s business, and Stop Six business. More than anything, she was about making a positive difference. Gyna served for 12 years as the District 5 representative on the Fort Worth City Council. First elected in 2013, she served six terms representing the Stop Six community and East Fort Worth until her retirement in May 2025. At the time of her retirement, she was the longest-serving member of the council. During part of her tenure, she also served as Mayor Pro Tem. Gyna was a true champion for District 5. Her time in office was marked by a focus on economic development, infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, and employment opportunities.
Some of my earliest childhood years were spent growing up in Stop Six. Every now and then, I take a drive through the neighborhood, reflecting on playing football on what was once an empty lot, looking over to where Bill’s Trading Post once stood, and glancing toward the corner of Rosedale and Langston, where the old house we called “haunted” used to be. As I drive a little farther along Amanda and Rosedale, I see the results of Gyna’s commitment to making the community a better place to live — new apartments, newer buildings, improved streets, and renewed curb appeal.
She had a deep love for Stop Six and always wanted what was best for the community. Even when she knew that some constituents would occasionally disagree with her positions, she focused on the bigger picture — what would benefit the community in the long run. Agree or disagree, no one could ever question her love for her neighborhood and for the city of Fort Worth.
Growing up in Stop Six in the 1970s, there were a few names everyone knew. One of those names was Bivens — as in Reverend Roy Bivens, her father, pastor of Sweet Home Baptist Church. There’s an old saying about people who speak boldly and stand firm in what they say: “They don’t chew their cabbage twice.” That was true of Reverend Bivens, and it was also true of Gyna Bivens. According to Bob Ray Sanders of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, who had known Gyna for many years, “Gyna, as a six-term member of the Fort Worth City Council and as an incredible Mayor Pro Tem, was not just a voice on the council but a mighty force. You never had to wonder what she thought — she would tell you, in a direct but respectful way. She was a council member whom no one could fully replace.”
The reality is that Gyna not only built and leaves behind her own great legacy of service and commitment to her city and to Stop Six, but she also added to the legacy and impact her father built in the community. It is not a stretch to say that she made her father proud. She made Stop Six proud. And Fort Worth should be proud of Gyna Bivens.
Several years ago, I called Gyna and didn’t get an answer. A short time later, she returned my call and mentioned she had been out back in her garden. She went on and on talking about it, and I realized that her garden was a special place — her refuge, her space for peace and calm. Gyna handled her illness much like she tended her garden — with grace, care, and transparency. She often shared updates with those concerned about her health, always remaining positive and open.
Her name deserves to live on in the history of Stop Six. And if you ever forget it and find yourself in East Fort Worth along Rosedale, just look around. You’ll see her legacy standing tall, reminding you that her name is Gyna Bivens.
Gyna Bivens passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 71.
