Lenon Gardner

Lenon Gardner was born on April 29, 1946, in Tutwiler, Mississippi, to the late Reverend Daniel Gardner & Ollie Hamilton-Gardner. He confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior at an early age at Whitfield Baptist Church.  At the age of 30, he was joined in Holy Matrimony to Elsie Marie Jackson-Gardner on August 28, 1976.   Lenon Gardner has 3 children: Lenora White, Katrina Greenlee, & Lenon Gardner Jr.

His educational journey included attendance at Round a Way Elementary & Middle School in Tutwiler, Mississippi, before moving to Chicago. Then, he attended and graduated Class of 1965 from John Marshall High School in Chicago, Illinois.

Once he moved to Chicago, he became a faithful member of Sunrise Baptist Church.  In 1975, Lenon moved his membership to New Nazareth Baptist Church before following his brother, Rev. Eddie Gardner, at First Paradise MBC, only to become a Deacon. In 2009, Lenon & Elsie moved to Texas and became a member of Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church in Killeen up until his death. He greatly enjoyed Church Services/Events, traveling with his lovely wife of 47 years, cruising, being a disc jockey (DJing), attending family/friends’ events, class reunions, and family reunions more than anything.

Lenon was a dedicated employee at the Chicago Transit Authority and retired after 26 years of service.

Lenon joined his heavenly father on Saturday, January 27, 2024.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Sisters: Rochelle, Geraldean, Danny Lewis, Edith, & Ora; Brothers: Lawyer, Otis, Genterry “Tam”, Shiloh, Homer, Eddie, Charles, & Judge Sr.

Lenon leaves warm & lasting memories to be forever cherished: Elsie Marie Gardner(wife); two daughters, Lenora (Ell) White of Montgomery, Al, Katrina Gardner-Greenlee, of Peoria, Illinois; one son, Lenon Gardner Jr of Peoria, Illinois. Four sisters: Vera (Charlie)Chapman of Alabama, Annice Gardner & Dorothy Faye Gardner of Chicago, Illinois, and Juanice Gardner of California.  Six Grandkids: Captain Christopher Johnson, Stephon Greenlee, Shamarr Greenlee, Jamonte Gardner, Javeon Gardner, & Jameela Gardner; one great-grandchild & a Host of Nieces, Nephews, and extended family and friends. Also, two very good friends, Ray Baker & Pamela Simmons.