Ethe Ma Gardener , November 04, 1939 — November 08, 2018

Ethel Mae Gardener, 79, of Canton OH went home to be with the Lord on November 8, 2018. She was born on November 4, 1939 in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Taylor and Mary (Harmon) Johnson. As a child, Ethel enjoyed Sunday trips with her father and siblings visiting her relatives in Akron, and Massillon.

In 1958, Ethel began her life with John R. Gardener, and to their union birthed nine children. Ethel was a long time member of Peoples Baptist Church in Canton where she regularly attended bible study. In addition, she was a member of the Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF) for over 10 years.

She enjoyed volunteering at the Crystal Park Methodist Church soup kitchen. After raising her children, Ethel’s very first job was McCroy’s downtown Canton at the age of 51, where she worked as a cashier. She later was employed by the Canton News Depot for 10 years.

She thoroughly enjoyed working outside of the home. Ethel’s favorite past times were taking vacations, her favorite being Virginia Beach. She was an avid bingo player, and enjoyed frequenting the casino in which luck was normally on her side.

Her greatest passion in life was her family, being a mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved spending time with her best friend, little big brother ”Georgie”. Ethel was the glue that held her family together.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Raymond (Gila) Gardener, Amelia Gardener, Tony Gardener, Victor (Ina) Gardener, Tammy Gardener, Clyde (Gloria) Gardener, Wanda (Hershel) Chenault, John Gardener, Steven Gardener and bonus daughter Karen Baldwin; 26 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings George Johnson, Diane Johnson, Mary Johnson, Denise Richardson; brother-in-law Horace Ward and adopted sister Tammy Super; a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, John R. Gardener and her sister Lula Mae Ward. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 16, 2018 at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon from 5-7 p.m. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Peoples Baptist Church, 701 17th St SE, Canton at 11 a.m. A viewing will take place from 10 a.m. until the start of the service.

Final resting place will be at North Lawn Cemetery following the service. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Ethel Gardener, please visit our Tribute Store.

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