Celia H. Gardner

Mrs. Celia H. Gardner, a resident of Union Springs, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly at Baptist Medical Center East on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Funeral services for Mrs. Gardner will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, June 6th, from the Chapel of Turners Funeral Home with Brother Danny Rolling officiating. Interment will follow in Rutledge Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Mrs. Gardner was a proud graduate of Troy University where she received Bachelor’s degrees in both Elementary Education and Special Education. She spent most of her career as a beloved educator at Highland Home School until her retirement. She guided many a child through difficult times during her tenure and she was always everyone’s favorite teacher. In her free time, she loved indulging in her talent for cooking delicious dishes, as well as her love of music and singing. She was also a dedicated animal lover, especially her constant feline companions.

Above all, Mrs. Gardner was a devout Christian throughout her life. She was a long-time member of Petrey Church of Christ and, in her later years, she also enjoyed participating with the WMU at Indian Creek Baptist Church. She truly embodied the best of Christianity with her generosity of spirit and love for everyone. She was a caretaker for all of her family, the one everyone turned to in a time of need. She believed in putting others first, and it always showed through her actions. Her leaving has created a hole within her family, but they will find comfort in knowing she is now rejoicing in Heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Gardner was preceded in death by her parents, Paul & Margaret Sanders Helms, and brother, Ken Helms. She is survived by her loving husband of over 40 years, Paul Gardner; their two children, Paula Gardner (Derrick) and Garrett (Liz) Gardner; three grandchildren, Gemma Gardner, Olivia Gardner, and Lyla Gardner; three brothers, Steve (Judy) Helms, Joe Helms, and Tony Helms; and several nieces & nephews.

Active pallbearers will be Caleb Wentland, Brandon Richburg, Wesley McCraney, Glenn Gardner, Ken Peel, and Scott Peel.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 12:30 - 2 PM.