Thomasena H. Gardner

The fulfilling life of Thomasena Hammond Gardner, a native of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, came to a close on Friday morning, December 5, 2014 in Dover, Delaware, where she resided for the past 10 years. Born to the late Willie and Virgia Hammond on February 26, 1922, she was beloved by many for her devotion to family, affectionately called “Momma”, “Nana”, “Momma Sena”, and “Aunt Thom” by those dear to her. She was committed to education and lived a life full of civic duties, church responsibilities, and educator to her community. She loved genealogy and was the dedicated keeper of the “Family Tree” for both the Hammond and Gardner families. Her motto: “Being of service as long as I am able to serve”. She received her early education in Ridge Spring, SC. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina and a Master’s Degree in Education from South Carolina State University. Her certification in Library Science and Teaching were both earned at S.C. State University and the University of South Carolina. Thomasena’s teaching career began at Hampton Elementary School, Leesville, SC and ended in the Allendale County Public School’s System with a total of 40 years of service. Even after her retirement, she was a freelance librarian, researcher, and storyteller. She loved opening up the imagination of young children with vivid new worlds discovered in books. She was happily married to the late Leon F. Gardner, Sr. of Allendale, SC for 55 years (1942-1997). From this marriage, three sons and one daughter were born. Thomasena was a proud and devoted member of Happy Home Baptist Church, where she served on the Deaconess and Trustee Boards and was a member of the Senior Choir and Missionary Society. She loved her “pink and green” as a sorority sister, and was a dedicated member of the Nu Tau Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated of Denmark, S.C. where she actively promoted education through scholarships. She loved to host and was a founding member of the LaDames Art Society in which she welcomed her friends to discuss books and culture over high tea and homemade sweets. She was also an entrepreneur who owned “Sena’s House of Beauty” hair salon. Thomasena was an active community leader in Allendale, SC where she spent most of her life. Her civic, political and professional memberships reflect her commitment, passion, and dedication to improve the world around her. Her affiliations included the following: Allendale’s Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Beautification Committee, County Library Board, AARP, American Legion Auxiliary, LaDames Art Club, Allendale Branch of NAACP, AAUW, South Carolina Retired Education Association, African American Cultural Center (Board Member), Relay for Life, and the Spring Festival Committee. Upon moving to Dover to join her family, Mrs. Gardner became a watchcare member of Mt. Zion AME Church. She transferred into Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and also joined the Dover Modern Maturity Center. Thomasena was preceded in death by her husband Leon F. Gardner, Sr., her daughter, Carolyn Gardner and two sons, Eddie and Erwin Gardner. To mourn her passing, she leaves behind her son, Leon F. Gardner, Jr. (Carolyn) of Camden, DE, a daughter Gloria M. Gardner of Dover, DE, three granddaughters, Sonya Gardner of Dover, DE, Davita Gardner of Felton, DE, Carole Gardner Diarra (Adrien) of New York, NY, two grandsons, Leon Gardner III (Tina) of Felton, DE, Antonio Edwardo Gardner (Britnnee) of Orlando, FL, four great-grand sons, Kyle Gardner, Kegan and Rodney Miller, Timothy Banks, three great-grand daughters, Charlotte Thomasena Diarra, Adrianna Miller and Zyaire Miller, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomasena H. Gardner, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Thomasena H. Gardner

February 26, 1922 - December 5, 2014