ESKEW, Jewell Gardner, age 93, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on April 21, 2020. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, and while her family was fortunate to be able to spend time with her recently and miss her greatly, we rejoice that she is home.
Jewell was born in Kentucky and moved to Oak Ridge, TN with her family prior to WWII. She worked in a gunpowder plant and then was a secretary at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she met her husband Ray. They moved to Nashville in 1953, where she enjoyed a career in real estate and was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Nashville. She was very loving and sociable, enjoyed dancing, taking walks and playing bridge. You could always count on her to give her honest opinion and she was never one to miss social gatherings.
In addition to her parents, Elizabeth and Henry Mills, she is preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Ray Edward Gardner, husband of 10 years Charles Eskew, daughter Pamela Gardner Ahearn, and daughter Peggy Gardner Beasley. She is survived by her loving daughter, Patricia Gardner Simpson (Bill), son-in-law Jack Beasley (Peggy), son-in-law Fredrick “Rick” Ahearn (Pamela), Jim and Christy Gardner of Lakeland FL, three grandchildren; Brett Edward Simpson, Lauren Hart Simpson and Jennifer Elizabeth Simpson.
Due to the current restrictions, funeral services will be a private graveside service with immediate family only.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association or First Presbyterian Church of Nashville.
