Edna Mae Gardner

She was born on July 4, 1921 in Columbia Mississippi in Walthall County to Willie Louis and Lizzie Mikell King. She met and married her husband of nearly 50 years, Rev. Lessie V. Gardner, who preceded her in death. They were blessed with five children.

She graduated from Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi and attended Jackson College for one year.

She relocated to Monmouth, Illinois with her husband and was first lady of Calvary Baptist Church. After the passing of her husband, she returned to Springfield where she reunited with Union Baptist Church. She relocated to South San Francisco to be near her two daughters in 2005.

She united with the Pilgrim Baptist Church in San Mateo under Dr. Larry W. Ellis. She taught the minister's wives in the Woodriver District Association and also taught in the Baptist General State Convention of Christian Education (Illinois) and the Illinois State Congress of Christian Education. She participated in Church Women United in Springfield, Illinois. Mrs. Gardner was a devout Christian and was active in many phases of church work.

She worked as a teacher's aide for the Headstart Program at Lincoln Elementary School for 14 years in District 186 in Springfield. She was also a licensed beautician, day care provider and homemaker while raising her family.

She was preceded in death by three children, a daughter Lizzie Idella, and two sons: Leslie Willie James “Sonny” Gardner and Clifford Gardner, one sister Vinnie Hanspard and one brother Eddie King.

She leaves to cherish her memory daughters: Deborah Gardner of Springfield, Illinois and Lorenda Fay (Charles) Lewis of Daly City, California; five grandchildren, Corey Lewis of Daly City, California; Charles Clifford Lewis of Daly City, Cheryl Francell Lewis of Oakland, California; Carl Spencer and Carnell Carey Lewis both of Daly City, California; 2 great grandsons; one sister-in-law, Wylma King of Jackson, Mississippi and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A viewing was held from 10:00am to 11:00am at Pilgrim baptist Church, 217 North Grant Street, San Mateo, CA., followed by a service at 11:00am on Wednesday October 29, 2014 with Dr. Larry W. Ellis officiating.

A funeral service conducted by Rev. T. Ray McJunkins will be held at 10:00am on Friday October 31, 2014 at Union Baptist Church, 1405 East Monroe, with burial to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 8:30 until the time of service Friday at church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pilgrim Baptist Church Scholarship Fund in San Mateo, CA. or to the Union Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.