The world became a brighter place when, on January 21, 1934, when  John Lee Gardner was born to Ed and Leona Nash Gardner. One of nine children, John Lee Gardner, aka Johnny Gardner, would grow to be loved and adored by family and every community he graced. Though his departure on  February 16th was a sad day, we rejoice knowing he has joined his wife and Heavenly Father.

Johnny L. Gardner was a man of faith.  At an early age, he professed his belief in God and was baptized at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in McGehee, Arkansas. After moving to Waukegan, Illinois, he joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where he was an active member. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sunday School teacher, Shiloh Federal Credit Union Board member, Junior Deacon, and a member of Jail Ministry and the facility maintenance teams

Over the next few years, he enrolled in various vocational courses, including cabinet-making, extermination and typing classes.  In 1956, he earned a Certificate in Television Servicing from the Commercial Training Institute of Chicago. By age 

Family has always been important to Johnny. While enjoying a teen roller skating outing, he met Mary Stackhouse who he would marry on August 27, 1955. To this union were born four children, Johnny Lee, Patricia Ann, Sharon Yvette and Dana Felicia who joined their older sister, Mary Frances Peebles. The home of Johnny and Mary was full of love, fun and good food and always had room for more people whether for a drop-in visit or an extended stay.  Sunday dinners were noisy and usually included ten to fifteen people.

Johnny commitment to faith and family was matched by his dedication to his community. He served as Assistant Treasurer of the Lake County Community Civic Organization and was a member of the NAACP, the Elks, Small Business Administration and the Parent - Teacher Association.

Johnny was preceded in death by his mother and father; beloved wife of 63 years, Mary aka Toots; brothers Hiawatha, Eddie and James; sisters Leanna McDaniel and Azzie. Left to cherish his memory  are: two brothers, Roy (Jerline) and Aljahi (Ola); one sister, Rose Ollie (Fred); five children, Mary Frances, Johnny (Jackie), Patricia (Remmele), Sharon and Dana; and his granddaughter, Courtney Gardner.  Our world is a little darker, but our loss is heaven’s gain. 

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