In Loving Memory of

Birdie JoAnn Gardner

Birdie JoAnn Gardner peacefully entered eternal rest on July 21, 2026, at the age of 82, after a courageous battle with declining health. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, godmother, and cherished friend to many. While her presence will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing that her soul is forever at peace in the loving arms of the Lord.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Birdie JoAnn Gardner was born on February 15, 1944, to Allean Kellom Williamson and Joseph Gardner, both of whom preceded her in death. She was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Lonia Belle Criss Williamson, and nurtured by her aunt, Lonia Evelyn Anthony Williamson, who also preceded her in death.

JoAnn accepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. She attended Dallas Independent School District schools and graduated in 1962 from Booker T. Washington High School, the first Black high school in Dallas, Texas. She was immensely proud of the Class of 1962, remaining closely connected with her classmates through reunions and luncheons throughout the years.

Committed to lifelong learning, JoAnn attended El Centro College and Texas Woman's University, where she earned certifications in education. She dedicated many years of service to the Dallas Independent School District and retired in May 2018. In recognition of her outstanding commitment, she received honors for 25 years of dedicated service to the students and staff of Cesar Chavez Learning Center, where she was highly respected and dearly loved by her colleagues.

JoAnn found joy in many hobbies and interests. She loved working in her yard, planting flowers, and caring for her lawn. She had a special gift for decorating both the inside and outside of her home and took great pride in becoming a homeowner in her mid-seventies. Her home was always warm and welcoming, serving as the gathering place for birthdays, holidays, and family celebrations filled with delicious meals and homemade desserts. Her signature peach cobbler and lemon chess pie were favorites among family and friends. Never afraid to try something new, she enjoyed experimenting with recipes, creating flavorful sauces for grilled salmon, and cooking with a variety of wines.

She also loved shopping, attending festivals, concerts, and musicals with two of her closest lifelong friends, Myrna and Janice. JoAnn remained active in her community through the Juanita Craft Recreation Center and Jubilee Park & Community Center, where she participated in cooking classes, arts and crafts, exercise programs, holiday events, and numerous senior activities.

JoAnn was also a proud member of Remembering Black Dallas, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, and the African American Museum.

Having grown up during the Jim Crow era and experienced the hardships of racial discrimination firsthand, JoAnn believed deeply in civic engagement and community involvement. She valued building meaningful relationships, attending city and neighborhood meetings, and advocating for civil rights. Although she was naturally quiet, she never hesitated to speak out when it mattered and participated in several protests throughout her life in pursuit of justice and equality.

JoAnn's legacy of love, compassion, strength, and generosity lives on through her devoted children: Sharon Gardner, Dimona Israel, Kimberly Gardner, and Anthony Gardner, all of Dallas, Texas, and Vernadette Beal of Annandale, Virginia.

She is also survived by her brothers, Theron Gardner (Lalethia), Landry Gardner; her sisters, Krystal Gardner and Kristie Battiste, all of Cincinnati, Ohio.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her beloved godson, Anthony Coleman II.

She leaves to cherish her memory eighteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23