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Amber Gardner Obituary

Amber Elise Gardner September 7, 1981 - March 31, 2009 PHENIX CITY, AL — Amber Elise Gardner, 27, of Phenix City, AL passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Medical Center. Services will be held Friday, April 3, 2009 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Brad McDaniel officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Amber was born September 7, 1981 in Columbus, GA, daughter of Joel Anthony Hawkins of Smiths Station and the late Celeste Corbett Davis. She was an instructor at Columbus Technical College and Southern Union College after graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree and a Masters of Education deree. She was a member of New Beginnings Church. Other than her mother, Amber was preceded in death by her grandfather, Joe Hawkins. Survivors include her husband, Dustin Gardner of Phenix City, AL; father and step-mother, Joel Anthony "Tony" and Wanda Hawkins; brother, Jonathan Davis; step-father, Alan Davis all of Smiths Station, AL; grandparents, Darlene and Wayne Corbett, Nina and Tom Thomas and Jackie Hawkins all of Phenix City, AL; uncles, Joseph Christopher Hawkins of Smiths Station, AL and Steve Corbett of Auburn, AL Please sign the online registry @ www.mem.com

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Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Apr. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Amber Gardner

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Jenni Ross

May 28, 2009

I miss you girl and still to this day think about calling you but I can't....Your gone and all I can do is remember all the times I got to spend with you....hurts though because there are not to many good friends in the world and one of the good ones I had is gone, you always was a real good friend and I thank you for that! I love you girl, and I will miss you always!

Brennan

May 19, 2009

Though this message is late, I hope that it still brings joy to the heart of Amber's loved ones. She touched many lives and most of which she had no idea. She had a radiant joy within that was contagious to even the most angry and battered souls. I pray that her family finds peace in the future knowing that in her short time on Earth, SHE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

Courtney McCullohs

April 20, 2009

When she was here not a day went by that I didn't think of her. I remember the first time I ever saw her pulling up in her red X-Terra. She was so cool. I was only 16, she must have been 21 or 22 at the time. I'm 23 now and we have shared so many great memories in our time together. She was a duck and I was a pig. She has and always will be my inspiration of who I want to be. She loved God and her friends and family. She never gave up or turned her back on them. She was the best friend I have ever had. Nobody will be able to fill her shoes. The only thing that gives me some peace is knowing that if I live my life through her and praise God ,even half as much as she did, then he will allow me to be with her again one day. Until then I will devote my life if I must to make sure that your memory lives on forever. You were too much, too great, too big of a person to be here with us. I love you so much!

Leah Harwell

April 9, 2009

The world has truly lost a wonderful and beautiful person, but I know the heavens are rejoicing with a new member of the heavenly family. Ms. Hawkins (as I will always know her) was my teacher at SUSCC. She shared with our class so much advice and was an inspiration to all of us. I know she loved the Lord...she shouted his praises in the classroom. She was also a great friend and will forever be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hawkins and Gardner families. We will miss you Ms. Hawkins! Love always

Millie Standridge

April 9, 2009

Dustin, My heart goes out to you and your families as you face the days ahead. The pain of grief at times will be unbearable, but it helps to remember the good times, her smile and her zest for life. She was my instructor at CTC for Business Management and I enjoyed her class so much. I was looking forward to future classes with her. I cried when I heard the news because the world lost a great person and I cried tears of joy because I know she is with her mother whom she missed so terribly. Stay Strong, and pray. God will walk with you to help ease your pain.

W.L. Goodwin

April 8, 2009

Dustin, I taught with Amber and met her the first day she came to Southern Union. She was a wonderful person and instructor and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Jaci Rollo

April 4, 2009

Amber,
I miss you so very much. I shed a tear for you every day when I hear a song that reminds me of you, or remember some funny or kind thing that you did. I'm trying so hard to be strong but this is THE hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. God, I miss you! I'm getting you inked on me, whew! That will be scary but it's worth it to have you with me forever. I'm praying for the rest of the family and all the friends who loved you and trying not to lose my mind for them. You were so dear to so many. I hope that while we are here missing you, you are celebrating in heaven with your Mommy. I love you my Bam Bam...my rock.
"Nella Morre e Nella Morte"

Leigh Jones

April 4, 2009

Amber,
Where do I even begin? You were the sister I never had. We were best friends since the 7th grade & I still remember the first time you came over to spend the night. You made me laugh so hard with all your crazy impressions of people. I am thankful for all the crazy times & memories we had together throughout the years. I am also thankful that during your time here you were able to accomplish so many of the goals you set out to do & just lived life to the fullest. I feel so lucky to have had you a part of my life & will keep you in my heart forever. There is a void there now that can never be replaced. You were truly one of a kind. I love you always!!!!!! -Yosh (Leigh)

KaTrina Stodghill

April 4, 2009

I remember Amber from high school. She was a great person. She will be missed.

Stacy Cain

April 3, 2009

Amber was my 2nd cousin and when we were little we were pretty close,as the years passed by though we lost touch and went our own seperate ways,but anytime there was a family get together,and she was there we always seemed to pick up where things left off, she will be greatly missed even though we werent that close anymore i still loved her and i always will.

Marie Hall

April 3, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mearle Herring

April 3, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Vickie Stevens Eversman

April 3, 2009

My Thoughts and Prayers are with your family during this difficult period.

Jimmy and Pat Wilkins

April 3, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Jenee Horne

April 3, 2009

Amber, I have known you for so long. I have great memories of us playing in our grandmother's yards and talking through the fence when we were little. You grew up to be an amazing and beautiful woman, and I'm proud to have had you as a friend.

Scott and Wendy Gilmore

April 3, 2009

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Lisa Johnson

April 3, 2009

To: Mrs. Gardner's Family
From: Mrs. Gardner's OAD 217 Class (SPR 09)

With deepest sympathy because we care.
Because we care our warmest thoughts go out to you today with more concern and sympathy than we could ever say. We're saddened by the grief you're feeling now and want so much to comfort you and ease your heart. We're hoping that time will bring you brighter days because we care for you.

April 3, 2009

Mrs. Gardner will be missed and loved by all. She was a wonderful teacher who we all adored. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Jineane Scott- PierreAuguste

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Amber was such a sweet and outgoing person. Her presence will surely be missed.

Amanda Freeman

April 2, 2009

My heart goes out to Amber's entire family during this difficult time! Amber was such a beautiful and sweet girl who was loved by so many, and would do anything she could to help someone her smile was contagious she could always make you laugh, she loved my kids as if they were her own..wow I am still in shock it still doesn't seem real but I know she is at peace now and with her mom looking down at us!!! I love you Amber!!!!

KEISA JONES PEABODY

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Amber was a great person. She was always friendly and outgoing.Amber will be greatly missed. CLASS of 99 SSHS

Jennifer Coonley Collins

April 2, 2009

I went to high school with Amber and I had not seen her since she visited my church (Christian Heritage) months back. From talking with her I knew she loved children and treasured life. She was the same sweet girl I knew from high school. I hate it that I did not know her more than I did. She seems to have touched the lives of so many. My heartfelt prayers go out to her husband and family at this time. May God bless.

Courtney Argo-Allen

April 2, 2009

Amber and I were best friends throughout High School. She will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family

Stacy Purdy

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Amber's family. I pray that God gives you peace. Amber will be missed by so many. She always knew just what to say to put a smile on your face. Just an amazing person that I am glad I had the opportunity to know. I have so many great memories of her that I will take with me for the rest of my life. May you rest in peace Amber. With all my love, Stacy

Pam Vachon

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Amber's family. She was such a beautiful out going young lady that was full of laughter.
Amber will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.

Kristine Spaulding

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

April 2, 2009

Jonathan, Tony, Alan and family/friends, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. She will be missed as much as we miss her wonderful mother.We love you all Missy Parnell Gentry, Christina and Cathryn Ann

Donyetta Edwards Chester

April 2, 2009

Amber was a wonderful person and she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Amber Register-Zarate

April 2, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about the death of Amber. In school together I always remeber her simling all the time. I keep you all in my prayers.

Sharon Emerson

April 2, 2009

My heart is broken! Amber was such a special person and could definately light up a room. I first met her about 10 years ago from her best friend Bethann, who is a dear friend of mine. She was more than a friend to bethann but a sister! My heart goes out to the entire family. May the Lord bless and watch over you during this difficult time. I am going to miss seeing my war eagle buddy at the games!

Jerry Oliver

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the extended family.
Life is short,but memories live in the heart forever.

Cayce Mangin

April 2, 2009

Amber was a truly inspirational and most beautiful woman inside and out. I am so thankful that I had the honor to know such an amazing person. My heart breaks to know that we will never see her gorgeous smile or hear here contagious laugh. I will always love her, and remember all the advice and all her stories that she gave me. My heartfelt sympathies go to her husband, her brother, grandmother, and her dad. I know Amber is at peace and is with her mother now. I will continue to pray for her family to give them the strength to carry them through this difficult time.

Amanda (Horne) Brophy

April 2, 2009

Amber & I went to school together. She was such a sweet & fun loving person. She had the best personality & always saw the bright side of things. my thoughts and prayers are with her husband & family.

LaToya Barnes

April 2, 2009

Dustin
I am so sorry for your loss. Amber was a great teacher and awesome friend. I will miss her a lot. The things she taught me I will carry with me always. I will remember her forever. Dustin you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brandon Adkins

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to Amber's family and friends. She was my teacher at SUSCC last semester, and she had such a wonderful personality and a good heart. She will be greatly missed. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Lisa Johnson

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Ambers family and friends in their time of need. She was a wonderful person and I will always remember and smile and grace.She was an outstanding teacher and an even more wonderful person. She had a huge heart she and a lot of love to share. May God bless you all!

Brandy Hunter

April 2, 2009

My thoughts & prayers go out to Amber’s Family. She was one of the most awesome people that I have ever known. Amber was such a beautiful person inside and out. She had the best personality anyone could have! Amber will be missed. Love you girl!

Lavaris Thomas

April 2, 2009

Amber although its been a couple of years, it seems like it was just yesterday we were in Wallace Building sharing ideas and reflections about our internships. I am sadden by your departure, but I understand that when the Lord says it our time, we must obey his command. My God continue to bless your family during these times. Your impact will never be forgotten...

Danielle Harris

April 2, 2009

We are so sorry to here about the loss of Amber. Our prayers are with you all. Amber was a special person to so many people and touched so many lives.

Sincerly,
Dani Freeman Harris and Family

Jennifer Cruit Evans

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Amber's husband and family. May God hold you strong during your time of loss and may each day be filled with the loving memories of such a wonderful woman.
Amber and I went to high school together. She was such a wonderful person with a huge heart and a whole lot of love to give. I am blessed to have had a friend like her. May God Bless You All!

Jenny Padgett

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Amber's family and friends. She was my favorite teacher at SUSCC and will always be. I enjoyed every class time I had with her and she taught me many great things that will stick with me forever. She was such a hard worker and she will always be my role model. We miss you Mrs. Amber.

Jessica Scott

April 2, 2009

My heart is so heavy with the lose of such a great person/teacher. She will truely be missed by many people. There are so many students at Southern Union that loved her. I can't imagine how her family feels as the news hit us like a ton of bricks. The family and friends of Mrs. Gardner is in my prayers. She always talked about Dustin her grandma, and Jacey in class She loved them so much. I feel as though I have lost a really good friend. I am going to miss our talks and advice in between classes. I am thankful I had the pleasure of knowing her. May God bless everyone affected by her lose.

April 2, 2009

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Tamara Jordan

April 2, 2009

My thoughs and prayers go out to the Gardner family, I was a student in Amber class last quarter she was the best. So full of life and hope. i'm glad i had the oppurtuinty to meet her.

Paula Head Beckon

April 2, 2009

Lord I pray that you will be with Amber's family for they have suffered a great loss. I pray that you will provide them comfort during their time of mourning and give them strength on their journey to full restoration. In Jesus name I pray - Amen.
Amber will be missed dearly.

Vickie Hamby ( Jessica Scott )

April 2, 2009

Dustin, I am so sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts and prayers. My daughter was a student of hers at Southern Union. I feel like I should know her because I have heard so much about her. She was an awsome teacher I've been told. She is gonna be missed so much by her students and my daughter who loved her so much. She may be gone but will never be forgotten, she lives in my daughters thoughts and future for what she learned from her. God Bless you in the days to come.

Jenni Ross

April 2, 2009

I am going to miss Amber so much! I really am still shocked & dazed that she is actually gone; it just does not seem real. She was one of the funniest & most wild spirited friends I had. I loved her dearly & always will. My heart goes out to her family,her dad Tony and to her husband Dustin. Amber will truly be missed by many! May God Bless.....

Jamie Harris

April 2, 2009

I'm so sorry for the loss. Amber was a fun and outgoing person. I had many memories with her. She will be missed very much. My thoughts and prayers are with the family/husband/friends.

Hannah Burton

April 2, 2009

Amber you were my very best friend. You were wonderfully unique and special. I know you are rejoicing with the angels right now. I love you. Arm and Hammer forever. Always, Hannah

Danny Sasser

April 2, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.

Randi Clark

April 2, 2009

Tony, Wanda, Jackie and Jonathan - We are so terribly sad for your loss and ours. You are in our prayers and thoughts as your family goes through these days. We are all here for you and pray that God wraps his arms around all of you during this time. We love you!! Randi, Amanda and Tori Clark

Penny Hall

April 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Brittany Irvin

April 2, 2009

I am so Sorry for the loss of Amber. She will be truly missed. The whole family are in our prayers

Melissa Russell Scarboro

April 2, 2009

My thought and prayers are with Ambers family. She will be missed by so many people. I knew Amber from High School~ she was such a sweet person and I will miss her very much.

Shirley Hunt

April 2, 2009

Amber visited my home about 18 months ago I had not seen her in many years. I found her to be a very delightful and charming young
woman, so much like her grandmother,"Jackie". I am so sorry.

Ashley Franks-Farmer

April 2, 2009

My heart goes out to Amber's entire family during this difficult time! Amber was such a beautiful and sweet girl who was loved by so many. I have known her since she and my sister were in elementary school together and were great friends. She will be missed by so many and I know she is now reunited with her loving mom in heaven. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! Lean on God, your family, and friends during this difficult time.

denise hall

April 2, 2009

jonathan we were so sorry to hear about amber just know we are praying for you and are here for you, there are no right words to say your family has suffered to many losses but remember God has a reason for everything we love you

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