Ethel Gardner

Ethel Gardner, 81, of Apex, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, passed away, Friday, October 9, 2015 at Rex Healthcare in Raleigh. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ernest Harry Gardner and George Edwards.

Ethel is survived by her daughters, Harriet Gardner Best (Andre’) and Stephanie Gardner Johnson (Kolin); son, Ernest Gardner; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

A memorial service will be held 10am on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Apex Funeral Home Chapel, 550 W. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502.

Our beloved mother left this earthly life to enter eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mommy was beautiful, brilliant, strong, courageous and tough at times. She had an enormous will to succeed regardless of any physical obstacles she faced. She raised 3 children as well as other children to be strong, respectable and proud individuals. She was called Momma by all those who knew her and cared for her. Her wisdom and constructive criticism was not to harm us but to grow us.

She obtained many degrees including an art and special education from Pratt Institute and Long Island University respectively. She was one of the first African American designers featured in the Wall Street Journal for her décor of the Macy’s 34th Street shopping windows. Mommy was an artist and appreciated all of the fine arts of the city. She was passionate about her drawings and paintings. Her love for education, lead her to complete her Masters in Special Education. She held positions as a special education Educator and Administrator.

Her best friend described her as “fearless and encouraged everyone to follow their dreams. Nothing was impossible.”

Mommy we all thank you for sharing your passion to live a full life. Thank you for demonstrating your gifts of love, discipline and encouragement. You requested a simple good bye from the very beginning. Thanks for sharing how you wanted things to look upon your home going. You helped us learn to let go and let God.

Love you always, Stephanie, Harriet and Ernest.

Condolences may be sent to www.ApexFuneral.net