Ms Wilhelmina Gardner

March 15, 1952 - January 17, 2021

Wilhelmina Gardner was born to the late Brooks and Nannie Gardner on March 15, 1952. “Red” as she was affectionately known, accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. After obtaining her GED, Wilhelmina continued her education and received the training necessary to become a certified welder. She retired after a lengthy welding career at Link Belt Cranes in Lexington, Kentucky. Although she worked full time for many years, Red still delved into entrepreneurship. She owned several small businesses including Pagers Unlimited, Cuddle Care Childcare and Nannie’s Restaurant, all in Lexington. If she was not at work or running a business, she was with her family or shopping at the local thrift shops and grocery stores. She took pride in spending time with and directing her children and grandchildren, actively participating in all aspects of their lives. Besides her parents, Red was preceded in death by a son, Otha Gardner; three sisters, Bernice Gardner, her twin Wilma Gardner and Teresa Gardner; three brothers, Glenn Gardner, Gary Bush and David Gardner; and a niece, Tracy Shields. Wilhelmina Gardner will be lovingly missed by her surviving children, Lanona (Mitchell) Nelson, Marquette Gardner and Audrea Gardner; a special niece, Chiquita Shields; six grandchildren, Mitchell, Brooke, Ziah, Alayjah, A'leah and Aurea; five sisters, Loraine Gardner Ebomah, Ava Gardner, Vivian Gardner, Joy Gardner and Angel Gardner; three brothers, Brooks Gardner, Jr., Eric Gardner and Paul (Cheryl) Gardner; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.