Devonte Lamar Gardner

Devonte Lamar Gardner (Big Homie) was born in Salisbury, Maryland, to Terry Ballard, Sr, and Shavonne Gardner on September 20, 1992. Surrounded by his loving family, Devonte peacefully departed his earthly home on December 23, 2025, at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional, at the age of 33. Devonte was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Deliverance in Salisbury, Maryland. He was introduced to and received Christ at an early age, under the leadership of his Great Grandmother, Pastor Lula Gardner, who was the founding pastor of Trinity Baptist Church of Deliverance. As he was seeking for more spiritual direction, Devonte would make his way to church, in the last months of his life, where he continued to receive prayer and spiritual guidance. Devonte received his education from Somerset County Public Schools. He graduated in the class of 2011 at Washington High School where he played football and got the nickname Big Homie! With a passion for football, Devonte continued his career to go on and play semi-pro football for The Delmarva Bayriders, Delmarva Tyrants, The Eastern Shore Element, and Eastern Shore Kings. As a member of The Fruitland Volunteer Fire Department, Devonte was employed with FedEx Ground in Seaford, Delaware, when his health started to fail him. Security was his passion - from the Tank in Princess Anne, Brew River, The VFW, and The Elks in Salisbury. Personal security – he had you! Ocean City, Maryland does not owe him anything when it came to a job! The list includes ABCO Security, Clarion Hotel, The Café, 7-11, Tap House, Green Turtle, Beachmark Motel, and ROFO, just to name a few. And he didn’t stop there. He added Flagging to his resume; he was with Ocean City Parole & Probation Office until their closure. Family was important to Devonte. He was a loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin, and nephew. Devonte was a die-hard Bronco’s fan. He loved taking his long walks while listening to music, and his favorite hobby was fishing. Spending time with his sisters Shontell and Sherrell and his cousin Ant was a must. He loved his games. On game nights, Devonte was so competitive, especially playing spades. He loved the family dinners, especially! Although he had no children, his love for his nephew Javontez (Fats) and his niece Kyliee (Tubby) was unconditional. He leaves to cherish his memory: his mother Shavonne Gardner of Salisbury, MD; Two sisters: Shontell Bivens (Javontez, Kyliee) and Sherrell Bivens, both of Salisbury, MD; One brother/cousin: Anthony Gardner (Lexus) of Salisbury, MD; One brother: DeCarlo White of Pocomoke, MD; One Uncle and Godfather: Terry Tucker of Princess Anne, MD; Two uncles: Wayne Gardner, Jr (Amber) of Salisbury, MD and Wayne Gardner III (Leah) of Princess Anne, MD; Two aunts: Tylisa Gardner of Salisbury, MD and Donyale Skinner of Princess Anne, MD; Three grandmothers: Mary Champion, Dr. Patricia Wright, and Pastor Greta Belote; Two Godmothers: Dawn Hitch and Helen Hitch; One special great aunt and Godmother: Alice Bates (Will); Four great aunts: Vanessa Gillette (Jessie), Idella Drummond, Patricia Gardner, and Annie James; Three great uncles: William Gardner (Jeannette), James Tucker, and Joe Tucker (Faith); and a host of cousins, family, and friends. Devonte was proceeded in death by his grandfather Wayne D. Gardner, Sr, and his grandfather Robert Champion, Sr, his great grandfather Virgil R. Gardner, Sr, and his great grandmother, Pastor Lula Gardner. Devonte will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and the love and laughter he shared will continue to live in our memories forever.

Devonte Lamar Gardner

September 20, 1992 - December 23, 2025