Jeffrey Allen Gardner

Jeffrey “Jeff” Allen Gardner, P.P. June 17, 1957 – January 15, 2025 Jeffrey, 67 years old, grew up in the Calhoun Community in Laurel, MS. He spent his adult years in Heidelberg, MS, and passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025. He is preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Peggy Jo Gatlin Gardner of Heidelberg, MS; parents, C.O. and Ella Ree Bynum Gardner of the Calhoun Community in Laurel, MS; brother, Benny J. Gardner of Baker, LA; paternal grandparents, John W. and Sara Jane Gardner of the Calhoun Community in Laurel, MS; and his maternal grandparents, Benjamin B. and Isabelle Bynum of the Calhoun Community in Laurel, MS. He is survived by his brothers, Thomas C. Gardner (Fredna) and Harry D. Gardner (Deborah); sister, Janey G. Graves (Avery E. “Skeeter” Graves III); sisters-in-law, Kathy Gardner, Dinah Herring (Skipper), and Kim Morgan; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was an active member of Heidelberg Baptist Church, where he taught a Sunday school class. Later, he attended Goodwill Baptist Church in Laurel. Jeff was also active at Laurelwood Community Living Center teaching a Sunday school class where he was living, he worked off shore as a highly respected chef, he owned a wood-working business, and he also owned a catfish restaurant in Laurel, MS. He loved hunting, tending his garden, canning his harvest, and sharing with the community. His greatest love was when he became a Mason and Shriner, working to raise money for the Children Shriner’s Hospital, and taking many children and their families to the hospital. Jeff was raised as a Master Mason on November 15, 2004 at W.E. King Lodge #615, and he was a member of Clyde Howard Lodge #525. Jeff was a member of the Scottish Rite of the Valley of Meridian, and York Rite of Laurel, MS. He was also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine and York Rite College. Jeff was also Grand Master of the Odd Fellows of the State of Mississippi. Jeff joined Hamasa Shriners on December 15, 2008, was an Aide to Potentates from 2010-2012, went online for Oriental Guide in 2013, and was Potentate in 2016. P.P. Jeff Gardner was awarded the SAMSAR in 2012 by P.P. Paul D. Thompson for all the service he had given the Hamasa Shriners. He was the Potentate to pave the parking lot, and build the P-Nut Shed where thousands of pounds of peanuts have been boiled, and many more will be done. He was a big help in fund raisers with all organizations he had part in. P.P. Jeff Gardner has been taken by the Black Camel on January 15, 2025. He will be missed by his masonic brothers and sisters, and friends and family. RIP my brother Richard L. Whitehead, Recorder Hamasa Shriners. The impact Jeff left on family, friends, and community will be felt by generations to come, and he will be truly missed by all. For donations by phone, please contact Hamasa Shriners, P.O. Box 365, in Meridian, MS, 39302. For credit card donations by phone, please contact Ronald Whitehead at 601-693-1361. Services will be handled by Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, MS. A visitation will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm on January 20, 2025 at Memory Chapel; a service and committal will take place at 3 pm, and he will be laid to rest in Calhoun Cemetery. Bro. Bill Bolton will officiate. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.memorychapellaurel.com

Jeffrey Allen Gardner

June 17, 1957 - January 15, 2025