Mary Lee Gardner

Mary Lee Gardner (92)

10/28/1932 - 3/14/2025

Mary Lee Gardner (nee Donald), 92, of Lorain, Ohio passed away peacefully at her home on March 14, 2025. Mary was born October 28, 1932, to Haywood and Pennie Donald. in Whitfield, Alabama.

Mary loved going to rummage sales, cleaning, and cooking for her family. She led a soup kitchen at New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church for many years, which she served as the first lady under the Rev. Willie Gardner. Mary wore many hats (played many roles) in the church which she loved dearly. 

Mary will be sadly missed by her son Rev. Otis (Cheri) Jenkins of Lorain, Brothers Johnny (Louise) Donald of Elyria, Woody (Jimmie) of Lorain, Daughter-In-Law Gloria Jenkins of Lorain, 4 generations of grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family. Special thank you to her granddaughter and caregiver Evelyn Jackson. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Rev. Willie Gardner. Parents Haywood and Pennie Donald. Sisters Pearl Fenderson and Elvia Gamble. Brothers John Ward, Joseph Donald, Haywood Donald, Prince Donald, Redding Donald, Herbert Pearce, Jim Pearce, and Willie George Donald. Son Spencer Jenkins. And Grandson Kevin Jenkins. 

Services will be held at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 3900 Clifton Ave on Wednesday March 26, 2025. Viewing will be held at 10:00am until time of celebration of life at 11:00am. 

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to

Carter Funeral Homes Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lee Gardner, please visit our floral store.