Joanne Marilyn Gardner

Joanne Marilyn Scott “Mee Mee” “Nana” Gardner, of Jones County, passed away on January 2nd after enjoying 89 years of life with her close family. Joanne was married to the love of her life, Victor Lee Gardner, for 68 years before he passed just two weeks earlier. She is survived by son Rusty (Rhonda) of Gray, GA; four grandchildren, Dusty Gardner (Stacy), Tara Bullington (Tyler) Lacy Gardner-Hattaway (Jeremy), and Russ Gardner; eight great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Davis, Hunter Davis, Eli Gardner, Evan Gardner, Kennedy Gardner, Savannah Gardner, Phoenix Hattaway, and River Hattaway; sister Libby Osbon; nieces Lisa Kay Baggs, and Anna Baggs; and grandniece Ellyn Baggs. She is predeceased by her loving husband Victor Gardner, parents Herschel and Willie Scott, son Michael Gardner and nephew Randy Baggs.

Joanne was born in Oliver, Georgia and graduated from Richmond Academy in Augusta, Georgia. Joanne grew up in Augusta before moving to Macon where she lived for 35 years. She and Vic made Jones County their home in 1990. Joanne retired from Bibb County Public Schools after making a difference in countless children’s lives for more than 35 years. She loved teaching children to read and was an avid reader herself.  She was a fierce advocate for the underdog except when she played card games where she was competitive no matter what.

Joanne loved her Lord, had a strong faith and was a member of Elam Baptist Church in Gray. She was always active in church until her health failed her. She worked in the many roles of Children’s Corner, Children’s Church, Sunday School, and VBS at Central Baptist Church in Gray and years ago at Houston Heights Baptist Church in Macon. If Joanne heard an unkind word against anyone, she would quickly remind you that “God made them too and He doesn’t like ugly.” She would let you know where you stood and you never had to wonder what she was thinking.

Joanne was the Mom that unselfishly shared her time with her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephew, reading stories, playing games, and singing songs. You are my Sunshine was one of her favorites. She loved flowers, especially daisies and sunflowers, was a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs, and was skilled at cross stitching. She was a master at cooking any game Vic drug home, but her rendition of fried squirrel and grits was his favorite.

Visitation will be at 2pm at Hart’s Mortuary 307 Pecan Ln, Gray, GA on Friday, January 5th with graveside following at Cedar Ridge Cemetery at 3 pm. If you wish, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Jay’s Hope 4 Kids with Cancer, or the charity of your choice.

We treasure our memories of her.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of arrangements.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/

Jay's Hope Foundation
1157 Forsyth St., Macon GA 31201
Web: https://www.jayshope.org/