I, CATHY ELIMRA GARDNER, was born on July 9, 1955 in Baltimore Maryland to the late Morris Smith and Drue Willie Kilgore. I was the tenth-born child into a large, blended family that was always filled with love and laughter.

I am a proud 1974 graduate of Douglas High School. My education was an important part of my life because it was at Douglas where I learned that life is defined by hard work, dedication, and service.

I was united in marriage to Charles Gardner, with whom I shared a beautiful life and family. My pride and joy is Monique Wheeler and Clayton Bradley, and my lovely grandchildren, Naijay Adams and Nila Evans.

I dedicated 38 years of my life to serving the State of Maryland, where I successfully led a team as the supervisor and later as the manager within the records department of the corrections division.

Everyone knew about my love for God. He is my everything. I wish you all could experience what Iam feeling right now. The streets of gold are as pretty as I expected and the love is amazing.

I was always dedicated and strengthened when I was given the opportunity to lead and care for those around me. My faith was an important part of my life and one of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 91. As a longtime member of the Church of the Redeemed of the Lord, I enjoyed greeting the people who visited the church weekly. Maintaining my connection to my church family and keeping an active prayer life was a priority in my life. Also, I loved gospel music and my favorites were Fred Hammond, Deitrick Haddon and BeBe & CeCe Winans.

Each of you will remember me in different aspects. I was a great wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend to many. I had a true love for music and I especially enjoyed singing and painting. One of my greatest treasures was spending time with my family and friends creating countless memories through laughter, music, conversation, and togetherness.

We can’t forget to mention those meals I cooked! Holiday cooking and my secret “Sweet Potato Pie” recipe from my mother was my favorite pastime. I, also, loved to travel.

You all know I loved to look cute. Sassy and always classy with a red lip, anything yellow, and my blonde Tx, hair cut. You couldn't convince me I wasn’t cute. | could walk into a room and make everyone look. I was confident and had a smile that lit up any room brightening the saddest person’s day!

Being a mother and grandmother was my greatest honor, Watching each one of my children grow up ‘ into adults was a true pleasure. There is no feeling close to the love of a grandmother and the bond I built with my grandchildren was wonderful. Our relationship was filled with love, closeness, cherished moments, and a connection that will remain forever. The love between us does not end with my last day physically on earth. I will remain in each one’s heart forever.

On September 5, 2026, God sent his angels to peacefully take me to my eternal home leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue through my family and those whose lives I touched. Don’t fret because eight of my ten siblings came with God and the angels to reassure me it was time and to reassure me that each of you would be okay. 

Left to carry on my legacy is my husband, Charles Gardner, my daughter Monique Wheeler, my sons Clayton Bradley and Micheal Kenton Jr., my grandchildren Naijay Adams and Nila Evans, my oldest sister Mary Francis Belton and my brother Ronnie Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.