Mary Emma Gardner

The Life of Mary Emma Gardner The beautiful and gentle spirit known as Mary Emma Gardner was born on Monday, October 23, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late John Edward Garfield and Mary Catherine Williams. She was a delight to her parents and they doted on the only child born of their union. Mary was introduced to the love of Christ and accepted His plan of salvation as a child at Arnett African Methodist Episcopal Church. Always a woman of strong faith and a believer in the unsullied word of God, she decided she needed more from her worship experience. In 2000, she was added to the 63rd and Vine Street Church of Christ in Philadelphia, PA. Instantly, she knew that she had finally found her special church home. Mary was a faithful member until her health failed her in 2008 and she had to move Richmond, VA to be cared for by her eldest daughter, Catherine. Mary was educated in the School District of Philadelphia. She was a highly intelligent woman and academically sound. At the age of seventeen, she graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1957. After graduation, Mary entered the workforce, but it was not until 1964 that she found her niche working for the City of Philadelphia. She was quickly identified for her outstanding performance as a housekeeper. She was hand-picked to be Lead Housekeeper for the Mayor’s office. After 33 years of faithful, exemplary service, her physician recognized that her extensive arthritis placed her in a vulnerable position. She was forced to retire from a position in which she loved and thrived. Mary took pride in her ability to clean and leave every surface spotless! Mary loved to sew and to sing…and sing she did. Her contralto voice brought joy, healed the wounded, revived the weary, removed heartache, and always encouraged those who heard her sing. Her voice had the ability to make angels stop to listen. For anyone who knew Mary, they would tell you that above any job or hobby her love and care for her family was her greatest accomplishment. She married the absolute love of her life Kenneth Edward Gardner on November 26, 1959. She pledged to love him forever. Although their union ended in 1972, she kept her promise to love him until he entered into eternal rest on September 26, 1997. Their union created the greatest gifts that can be seen and experienced in the persons of Catherine and Donna. Not only did Mary love and nurture her daughters, but her nurturing was extended to neighborhood, wayward, and orphaned children and adults. Her love knew no boundaries and she was replete kindness and understanding. She loved with a mother’s heart. It was unfailing and unconditional. She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Catherine Rochelle and Donna Yvette Gardner; goddaughter, Darcie Davis; special church daughter, Pearl Gray; step-grandson, Dante’ Smith; step-granddaughter, Dionn Vigilance; two step great-granddaughters, Navejia and Arianté Smith; step great-grandson, O’mari Wallace; the loving and caring Autumn Care family; childhood friend, Elizabeth Dozson, and a host of loving church family and friends.

Tributes

Mary Emma Gardner

October 23, 1939 - January 27, 2015