Shirley Martha Gardner

1937 - 2021

Shirley Martha Gardner of Centreville, MD died on January 14, 2021. She was 83 years old.

Born on November 10, 1937, in Easton, MD, she was the daughter of Nathan Morris, and Edith Mae Thomas Morris.

Shirley, known by most of the early Kent Islanders as Miss Shirley spent the years from the 70's through the 1990's babysitting the local children in the Chester home she shared with her loving husband of 48 years Clarence "Buddy "Gardener.

Her true passion, that Shirley Loved was playing and being part of the softball community. Most people at the park will remember her out spoken contempt of umpires and unwavering support of her children and grandchildren while they participated. She cheered with as much intensity as she played the sport and Shirley "Iodine" Gardner was one of the first inductees into Maryland Modified Softball Hall of Fame.

She will always be known for her corky ability to have fun, making people laugh and will be remembered by all of her family for her unconditional love she gave to each one of them. Her strong and rugged appearance would give way to love and gentle nurturing when with her children and grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by her sons Robert Gardner, William Gardner; daughters Shirley Batchelor, Patricia Hatch; brother Tommy Morris; sister Gloria Jones; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to her loving husband, she is predeceased by her parents, her two brothers Bobby Morris, Billy Morris and sister Casey Morris.

A service will be held at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Chester, MD on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 12:00 PM with a visitation starting at 10AM to 12PM. Burial will follow in Stevensville Cemetery.

For online tributes, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com