Elsie X Gardner

Elsie X. Gardner (82), of East Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, after a life marked by devotion to her family and the many people whose lives she touched with warmth and steady kindness.

Elsie was born on January 1, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Virgil and Minnie Liddell. Elsie carried values of hard work, loyalty and family throughout her life, and those that knew her best will remember her as a woman with quiet strength, generosity and grace. She was the beloved wife of the late Ross (Kahil) Gardner (2006), with whom she shared a loving marriage and a life centered on family.

Elsie was known for her reliability, professionalism and kind manner. She worked in her earlier years at Montefiore Homes as a Dietary Aide. After leaving the nursing facility she moved into Customer Service and started her Career as a Walmart Associate which in each position she held, she brought a calm presence and a strong work ethic that earned the respect of those around her. She was loved by all she worked with and was ultimately named Mrs. Elsie by all her co-workers. While employed at Walmart she continued her studies and was awarded her GED.

Elsie leaves to cherish her children Lorrie (son-in-law Lavelle Johnson), Douglas Gardner, Alisha (son-in-law Dwayne Bailey), stepdaughter Sarah Jean Lindsay, her siblings Barbara and William Liddell, her grandchildren Jamilah, KhadyJra, Jihad, Kahil, Kaliah, Kalimah, Kajaunah, Kadeem, Hakeem, David, Khayyam, Iiesha, Asiah and Benedicto. She also was blessed to be a great-grandmother and was active in the lives of all her great grandchildren and most recently her newest great-great granddaughter. Elsie was proceeded in death by her parents Virgil and Minnie Lidell, siblings Rosie, Elizabeth, Mary, David, Clement, John Eddie, Reese and Booker.

Elsie will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her steady presence, and the many ways she made life better for others. Her kindness, her sense of responsibility, and her enduring love left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Though her passing leaves a deep sadness, her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, brother and sister, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her presence will be deeply missed at every gathering, holiday, and family celebration.

Visitation will be held at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44112, on May 15, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A wake will be held at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44112, on May 16, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration Of Life Funeral Service at the same location on May 16, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am.

Interment Evergreen Cemetery.