Wilminor Carl Gardner

Wilminor Carl Gardner, died on Thursday, the 6th of March 2025. She was the oldest of four children. She was a fourth generation Texan, and a third generation Galvestonian born in Galveston on the 29th of June 1930, daughter of William Noble Carl Sr. and Wilminor Morris Carl; granddaughter of William Carloss Morris and Willie Stewart Morris of Galveston and Houston; and the great-granddaughter of Judge William H. Stewart who is known as the "Father of the State Capitol."

She attended Lamar High School in Houston and was a graduate of University of Colorado Boulder where she was a member the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Wilminor, affectionately known as “Miney” held God, family and friends most dear. She loved art and all the beauty found in nature. She had several businesses including: Georgian Homes Interiors and The Monday Shop which she co-owned with her sister-in-law, Lucy Reinking Carl. She traveled extensively with her husband, Robert “Bob” Gardner, and her many friends.

She was a member of Second Baptist Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, founding member of the Art and Antique Study Group, and an original docent of Bayou Bend, handpicked by Miss Ima Hogg.

She grew up surrounded by a family of three siblings, seven aunts, four uncles, and numerous cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Alfred Gardner; her sister, Mary Carl Briner; her brothers, William Noble Carl Jr., and Thomas Stewart Carl; and her beloved grandson, John Nelson Russell.

She is survived by her children, John Leo Russell Jr. and his wife Dianne, William Wiley Russell and his wife Suzanne; her grandchildren, Fendley Anne Russell, Vivian Kindred Russell, and Cooper William Russell; her sisters-in-law, Lucy Reinking Carl, and Anne Thornton Carl; and numerous nephews and cousins.

Additionally, she is survived by Robert's children, David R. Gardner and his wife Nancy, Beth G. Florence and her husband John; and his grandchildren, William, and John Florence, and Mary, Robert, and Charley Gardner.

The family would like to thank the ladies that helped care for her: Vanessa Burnett, Felisha Visor, and Belinda Roberson.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 13th of March in the Hankamer Chapel at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston, where the Rev. John Barksdale is to officiate.

Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in nearby Deacons Parlor.

Prior to the service the family will gather for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those wishing to make memorial donations, the family requests with gratitude that they be directed to Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, P.O. Box 6826, Houston, TX 77265-6826.

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