Edward Montgomery Gardner

Edward Montgomery Gardner "Knuckle"

With a sweet touch and a gentle love on Thursday, September 22, 2011, the Lord stretched forth his hand to carry Edward Montgomery Gardner of Ivy, Virginia, to be at rest surrounded by his family at his home.

Ed was a kind-spirited person who enjoyed life with his family and friends joking around and always helping others usually with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He loved working outside with the flowers, taking something old and making it beautiful again. He was a long-time member and trustee of Saint John Baptist Church in Cobham, Virginia. He was born on December 30, 1952, in Cobham, Virginia, to the late Jessie White Gardner and George Henry Gardner. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Anthony Gardner, Gregory P. Gardner and George M. Gardner.

He leaves to cherish his memories his high school sweetheart and wife of 38 years, Sarah Wilson Gardner; five devoted daughters, Monica L. Diggs and husband, Craig, of Ivy, Monique G. Coles and husband, Justin, of Earlysville, Monet S. Christmas and husband, Shawn, of Cobham, Masha S. Gardner of Ivy, and Michelle S. Bullock and husband, Jarvis, of Haydensville; his honorary daughters, Alegra "Malegra" Jordan and Kamisha Spencer of Charlottesville; and his honorary son, Lorenza Dickerson of Raleigh, North Carolina. He was the proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildrenm Marquise, Malcom, MyKal, Malachi, Meyah, Makaili, Mariana, Messiah, Majestik, Madyson, Maceo, Major, Moses and Myles. He is also survived by four sisters, Darleen Ragland, Bertha Gardner and Nancy Gardner of Charlottesville, Mildred Quarles and husband, Lonnie, of Louisa; four brothers, Richard Gardner of Richmond, William Gardner of Louisa, Rudolph Gardner and wife, Janice, of Claxton, Georgia, and David M. Gardner of Cobham; a sister-in-law, Rose Gardner of South Carolina; two uncles, Harry White and wife, Sarah, of Bridgeton, New Jersey, and James White and wife, Jean, of Chicago, Illinois; seven aunts, Bertha Gardner of Cobham, Louise Gray, Minister Mary Thomas and husband, Leo, of Esmont, Gretchen Stevens and husband, Leroy, of Covesville, Carrie Goode and husband, Claude, of Scottsville, Minnie Gardner of Charlottesville; his father and mother-in-law, William and Sarah Wilson of Ivy; two sisters-in-law, Veronica Wilson and Wilhemina Wilson of Ivy; and brother-in-law, Lorenza Dickerson of Cobham; his devoted friend and riding partner, James Henderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2011, at St. John Baptist Church in Cobham, Virginia, with Pastor Kelvin R. Hawkins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint John Family Life and Fitness Center Inc., P.O. Box 764, Keswick, VA 22947. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the services. J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.jfbellfuneralhome.com



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.