Edward-Gardner-Obituary

Edward Gardner

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia

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Edward Gardner Jr. Edward Gardner Jr. of Charlottesville, Virginia, departed this life on Thursday, June 20, 2013. He had been a resident of Mountainside Senior Living in Crozet, Virginia, and most recently Golden Living Nursing Home in Charlottesville. Mr. Gardner was born on February 18, 1919, in Washington, D.C., to Edward Gardner Sr. and Bessie Anderson Gardner. He was married to R. Louise Harris Gardner for 45 years until her death in 1988. Their family includes two daughters; and one son, Edward Gardner III, deceased. Mr. Gardner served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II and did tours of duty in Italy and North Africa. After the war he returned home to Charlottesville, and served his community as a Barber for 52 years on Vinegar Hill and other locations around the city. He was a member of Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church and over the years served as an Usher. During the depression years, his childhood family moved from Washington, D.C. to Shadwell, Virginia, where as a boy he developed survival skills and a lifelong love of animals and nature. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing, and he was a member of several hunt and social clubs. As the oldest son in a large family, he was a shining star known to them all as "Brother." He was preceded in death by several siblings, Delores Bryant, Kathryn Gardner, Vera Brown, Lawrence Gardner, and June Morris. Two sisters, Pearl Lee and Thelma Fowler; and a host of nieces and nephews remain to cherish his memory. His life and legacy are celebrated by those who knew him as "Daddy" and "Grandpa," daughters, K. Dianne Mathewson of Bethesda, Maryland, and Doris M. Durham of Windsor Mill, Maryland; grandchildren, Nicole M. Scott and her husband, Bruce, Mark D. Mathewson and his wife, Chinyere, Sean V. Durham and his wife, Jennifer, Tracey D. Yarborough and her husband, Edward, Brick Dubose, and Brian Gardner; great-grandchildren, Kyle, Elijah, Delaney, Yasmeen, Lleyton, Maya, Chase, Andre, Jadess, and Julian. Ms. Barbara Paige has been a constant companion and bright light in his life, sharing laughter, poetry, encouragement and loyal friendship. Funeral services will be held 12 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2013, at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church with Dr. Alvin Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.jfbellfuneralhome.com.



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.

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Diane and Doris I am praying for you and your family,six months ago I watched my mother make that transition,God will bring you thru it all.

TO THE FAMILY, MR. GARDNER WAS A HONORABLE MAN MAY HE REST IN HEAVEN.. CHARLOTTESVILLE VA

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Doris and Diane, my prayers are with both of you and your family. your dad was a special person may his love and kindness live long within both of you.

Doris and Diane, sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I remember him well. May God continue to strengthen you as time go on.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

To the family: May you embrace God during this time of sorrow, and may you also find comfort in
cherishing the moments you shared with Ed.