Arlean Gardner's Obituary
After a life of service and dedication to God and mankind, Mrs. Arlean Magee Gardner was called to eternal rest on January 3, 2026. She was born on March 4, 1935, in Sandy Hook, LA, to the late Lynch and Mary Ann Magee. She was the third oldest of ten children and grew up in a large, close-knit household. Reverend A. L. Owens baptized her at a young age after she started her Christian journey at Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church.
Her early years were influenced by a strong devotion to the Lord and a passion for cooking and housekeeping. Being one of the eldest girls, she had to drop out of school to assist in raising her younger siblings after her mother passed away and entered the workforce. She left her hometown at the age of 21 to travel to Gulfport, Mississippi, to *find a devoted husband who was also a preacher." When she met Louis Gardner, Sr. during Bible study on her first night in town, she soon realized the Lord was faithful and had answered her prayers. They would go on to create a family and a spiritual life together.
She married Reverend Louis Garaner, Sr. on June 23, 1956, in Prentiss, Mississippi. They relocated to Gulfport, Mississippi, and through this union, they had four children; three daughters: Robbin Rena, Marcella and Arletha; and one son: Louis Jr. She was a nurturing and loving mother who reared her children in the teaching of God's Word. She was devoted to her family and her three generations of grandchildren.
As a wife of an eminent Reverend Louis Gardner, Sr. she served as a faithful and graceful First Lady of the following churches: Hopewell M.B. Church Collins, Mississippi (9 years), Zion Hill Baptist Church in Magee, Mississippi (15 years), Shady Oak M. B. Church in Collins, Mississippi (15 years), Spring Hill M. B. Church in Union, Mississippi (15 years), Friendship M. B. Church in Collins, Mississippi (15 years) and True Vine Baptist Church of Brandon, Mississippi (30 years).
She was a lover of fashion and worked at the Pass Christian Factory as a seamstress, where she retired. During her retirement, she worked at Lyman Senior Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, as a customer service representative, where she made many friends.
Arlean lived her faith openly-not just in what she said, but in how she loved, served and cared for people. For the last five years, she gave the opening prayer for the Praise, Prayer and Testimony biweekly Bible study ministry Her presence brought comfort, peace and reassurance to those around her, and her love was something you could feel the moment she entered a room. Her spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered, and her love will continue to be felt through the lives she touched and the legacy of faith she leaves behind.
Her devotion to her family, friends and community has earned her the title of Mother of the Year for the State of Mississippi by the NAACP. She prayed that if the Lord blessed her to win, that he would give her the strength to fly for the first time. She was flown to Philadelphia for an all-expense-paid trip to receive the prestigious honor.
Preceding her in death; her husband: Reverend Louis Gardner, Sr.; daughter: Arletha Gardner, parents: Lynch and Mary Ann Magee; sisters: Vergean Martin and Lily White; brothers: James Magee, Moses Magee and John Magee; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Grady and Arletha Gardner and a host of other family members.
Memories of Arlean Gardner will remain vivid in the hearts and minds of her family, congregation and friends. The beloved members of her family are her three children: Robbin Rena (Lee) Taylor of Huntsville, Alabama, Marcella (Robert) Robinson of Irving, Texas, and Louis Gardner, Jr. of Gulfport, Mississippi; eight grandchildren: Antoine (Dr. Kizzy) Taylor, Pamela (James) Jackson, Latoya (Michael) Hill, Rochelle (DeMarco) Scroggins, Shalena (Archie), Dr. Marlena Robinson (Kolawole), Sketika Gill and Louis Gardner III; nine great-grandchildren: Chantelle (Roderick) Hood, LaShay Taylor Savannah (Nathan) Samano, LaTaviea Taylor, LaRaia Moore, Kashan Moore, DeMarcus Robinson, Braylon Williams and Amir Adetona; six great-great-grandchildren: Aurora Hood, Kaiden Hood, Kameron Hood, Amari Samano, La'Niyah Nelson and DeMari Jones; brother: Tony (Margie) Magee, sisters: Mable Tucker, Lilie (Dewey) Boone and Clarinda Rollins; sister-in-laws: Jo-Nick (Andrew) Johnson, Earnestine (Freeman) Woodard, Elois Gardner, Rosie Gardner, Mary Gardner and Delois Standfield.
Extended family members are the children of Boot Jack and Kitty Taylor; two special daughters: Brenda Hopkins of Jackson, MS and Dot Low Downey of Gulfport, MS; and Godchildren: Donna Ray, Icerica Gardner, Adrianne Newsome and Will Arnold.
While all shall miss Arlean Gardner, we are reminded that to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD.
What’s your fondest memory of Arlean?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arlean?
Share a story where Arlean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arlean you’ll never forget.
How did Arlean make you smile?
