Elizabeth Gardner Karst

Elizabeth Rene Gardner Karst, known to all as Lisa, passed away on July 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and boundless generosity. Born on January 8, 1971, in Albany, Georgia, Lisa lived a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and serving others with a generous heart.

Lisa dedicated much of her professional life to serving the citizens of Northeast Florida through her long and respected career as a Judicial Assistant in Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. She was admired for her professionalism, integrity, unwavering work ethic, and genuine kindness. Judges, attorneys, court staff, and colleagues alike respected her commitment to excellence and the compassion she extended to everyone she encountered. She took great pride in her work and the meaningful role she played in supporting the administration of justice.

To know Lisa was to love her. She never met a stranger and had an incredible gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her infectious laugh, quick wit, vibrant personality, and generous spirit could brighten any room. Whether offering a listening ear, sharing a heartfelt hug, or making others laugh until they cried, Lisa had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. She formed lifelong friendships everywhere she went, and those friendships became an extension of her family.

Lisa embraced life with enthusiasm and found her greatest happiness surrounded by the people she loved. She loved spending sunny days boating on the water, creating unforgettable vacations with family and friends, cheering passionately for her beloved Georgia Bulldogs, and attending Jacksonville Jaguars games. She looked forward to gathering with her cherished girls' club, where laughter was abundant, memories were made, and friendships only grew stronger. Whether planning the next adventure or simply enjoying time together, Lisa treasured every moment shared with those she loved.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Glen Karst; her beloved son, Cole Harvey; and her cherished grandchildren, Mallory and Layton, who brought endless joy to her life and lovingly knew her as "Sissa."

Lisa leaves behind a legacy of deep family love carried forward by her adored father, Jimmy Gardner, along with Cindy Gardner; her brother, Michael Gardner, and his wife, Sheena Gardner; her loving mother, Wendy Gardner; her sister, Amanda Gardner Aulthouse, and her husband, Justin. She was a proud and deeply devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews, Kylee and Jackson Gardner, along with Austin and Payton King. Her memory will also be lovingly carried by her step-siblings, Christina and Owen, as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers, neighbors, and lifelong friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park Funeral Home Pavilion, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32205.

A Celebration of Lisa's Life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Evangel Temple Assembly of God, 5755 Ramona Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32205. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Jones Cemetery, 45111 Jones Cemetery Road, Callahan, Florida 32011.

Following the services, family and friends are invited to gather at the American Legion Post #137, 5443 San Juan Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32210, to continue celebrating Lisa's life by sharing food, fellowship, stories, and the laughter she loved so much.

In lieu of flowers, Lisa would deeply appreciate donations made in her honor to **B.A.R.K.**, a cause close to her heart.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Lisa's legacy lives on, not only through the countless lives she touched with her kindness and love, but also through her final selfless act of organ donation, giving others the precious gift of life. We also rejoice in knowing she is now in the loving arms of the Savior she faithfully trusted.

While our family will forever miss her laughter, her warm smile, and the light she brought into our lives, we are profoundly grateful for every memory, every adventure, and every moment we were blessed to share with her.

Rest easy, Sissy. Until we meet again, we will carry your laughter, your love, and your beautiful spirit in our hearts forever.