MS. Stephanie J. Livers Gardner

Stephanie Jean Livers Gardner was born on March 16, 1954, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Mary Lee Evans Livers and the late Bellwood Livers. She was the oldest of six children. Stephanie dedicated her life to Jesus Christ and was baptized at the age of six. She remained a faithful servant of Christ throughout her life. She was a member of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church until she transferred her membership to Eastern Star Church over 25 years ago.
As a young mother, Stephanie welcomed and adored her beautiful daughter Treci, as she faced life's challenges head on and persevered, always with her baby girl in tow. Stephanie was united in Holy Matrimony in 1977 to the late James Carlton Gardner, Sr. God blessed this union with two sons, the late James C. Gardner Jr. and Jason C. Gardner Sr.
Stephanie graduated from Shortridge High School in 1972 and later received a B.S. degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University (Indianapolis). She later received a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Master of School Counseling/Counselor Education (M.Ed), also from Indiana University (Indianapolis). She began her career in Child Protective Services for 15 years working for both the States of Indiana and Arizona. Stephanie embraced and pursued her passion for helping troubled adolescents and began her 13-year career as a Social Worker for the Indianapolis Public Schools within the alternative schools program. It was there she met her life partner Rod, who could not resist her beautiful smile and spunky personality. Stephanie retired from IPS in 2019.
Stephanie was extremely proud of her family, and she was always there to support them in their endeavors. She was a devoted mother who poured into her children and grandchildren. Stephanie was the epitome of "Mother Bear". She preached and modeled the importance of God and family before everything else. She always lived by the mantra "where there's a will, there's a way", demonstrating this not only in words, but consistently through her actions. Although her children needed her in different ways throughout their lives, without hesitation Stephanie was always there when called upon. Her motherly love showed up in a major way during a trying period in Treci's life, by influencing and stepping in to help rear her granddaughter Kennedy. As for her middle child, who was perceived to have some mischievous ways, she never wavered in her support for James Jr. and always protected him with words and deeds. Stephanie demonstrated unconditional love and encouragement for her children, at one point relocating to Arizona to provide the support of family as her youngest son's journey led him there. Intuitively, she understood the essential value of family and motherly love. She always stressed the importance of education and made many sacrifices to ensure that each of her children attended and graduated college. Stephanie took special pride and enjoyment in attending her children's and grandchildren's plays, sporting events, recitals, school programs and birthday celebrations. Upon leaving each event, she would casually go around and pick up the programs left on the ground to take home, totally appalled that anyone would do such a thing when her family's name was in it (if you know you know).
Stephanie was festive and fun spirited. She looked forward to decorating her home in each holiday theme. She also loved getting into the holiday spirit from preparing Easter baskets for her grandchildren to decorating the Christmas tree with the family. Stephanie was an exceptional cook. Hosting the family for Thanksgiving dinner was her absolute favorite pastime. During times when Stephanie was not with her family, she regularly sent encouraging text messages to her granddaughters to keep them uplifted and remind them how much they were loved.
Stephanie was also a dedicated woman who possessed a true servant's heart. She served as the primary caregiver for her mother for the past several years. Accompanying her mother to doctor's appointments, visiting with her, or simply talking on the phone for hours daily to offer companionship, Stephanie remained faithful and continued to honor her mother until God called her home.
Not only was Stephanie an amazing mom and daughter, but she was a loving and caring sister. Stephanie, as the oldest of six, clearly exemplified the title of "Big Sis". Her caring spirit allowed her to touch the lives of all her siblings. She was a protector, listener, organizer and a leader (AKA boss, like all big sisters). Stephanie showed support to her siblings, especially in times of need and celebration (Queen of the group birthday text). Her love for her brothers and sisters extended into their families as she was so proud of and loved all her nieces and nephews tremendously.
Stephanie was a woman with a wealth of knowledge and life experiences. She was an open book, always ready to impart wisdom on those around her. Her contagious smile and entertaining sense of humor made her a treat to be around. Stephanie lived life to the fullest, traveling around the world. Some of her favorite destinations were Hawaii, Italy, Israel, Belgium and Paris. When she was not traveling the world or attending her family's sporting events, you could catch her getting in some retail therapy. She also enjoyed going to movies, out to dinner and to various festivals with her long-time partner Rod.
Stephanie leaves to cherish her loving memories her mother, Mary Evans Livers; daughter, Treci Davidson (Michael); son, Jason C. Gardner Sr.; sisters, Sis. Paula Livers-Powell and Erika Blakey (Jay); brothers, Don Livers, Phillip Livers Sr. (Cynthia), Gregory Livers (Michele); life partner, Rod Ross; granddaughters, Talibah Davidson, Jadyn Gardner, Kennedy Maye, Jasper Gardner, Jacksyn Gardner; grandsons, Naeem Davidson, Braxton Gardner, Jason Gardner Jr., Jacob Gardner; cousins, Scott Evans (Camille) and Rodney Moye (Ruby); daughters-in-law, Amy Garrison and Jacquelyn Gardner; son-in-law, Henry Maye; special friends, Linda Hunt and Dorothy Davis; former husband/lifelong friend, Martin Goens; and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her son, James C. Gardner Jr.; father, Bellwood Livers; Aunt, Vera Sanders; maternal and paternal grandparents.
Humbly Submitted The Family
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of MS. STEPHANIE J. (LIVERS) GARDNER, please visit our floral store.