Page 4 - Darnell Laverne Gardiner

degree, but Darnell counseled the oppressed and ushered joy into every subject matter. This proved that when God has a calling for your life, there is no formal degree that man can give that will usurp His plan. This was a divine gift from the Father, and she passed His course with excellence.
At Darnell’s home church, Abundant Life Ministries International, she was an active member. Here she felt at home and captured the hearts of many children and adults alike. Here she found her niche, The Children’s Ministry, where she dedicated her time and energy. She had a vision to transform and bring back vacation bible school with a twist. To this day some children still recall certain events. Vacation Bible School flourished because of her creativity, which attracted children from all communities with each growing year - she had accomplished her goal, she was extremely proud. Whenever there was a program, Darnell’s name was certain to be on the program as a Director or Producer. Darnell also organized Hallelujah Night, an outreach program intended to promote spiritual unity among other churches; it was yet another success. The year could not end without the lighting of the church Christmas tree, an event that created a festive ambiance for the holiday season.
If you knew Darnell Gardiner in any capacity, you also knew her to possess a reservoir of knowledge. Darnell was the “know-how- to”, “know-what-to,” “know- where-to”, and “who-to-go-to” person for any task one could not readily discern. She was the family’s visionary who instantly turned our ideas into reality while sparing absolutely no expense. There was never room for mediocrity; Madam Excellence was her name!
Despite her active work life and extracurricular activities, she made time to be a member of The Cancer Society. The Cancer Society held Darnell in high regard as she championed her voice of encouragement and strength for cancer patients and survivors equally. A great number of supporters walked with her during the Annual Cancer Walk event. Each year, the participants grew and so did their untiring support for this warrior and fighter whom we got to call our champion.
Darnell never gave up, she stayed strong to the very end, she kept God first in all that she did. The memories of life lessons, cherished moments, family trips, gatherings, secrets, and belly-aching laughter will live on in our hearts forever. She was a beacon of light to many, and we will forever be grateful for the sacrifices and the impact she made in our lives.
Thank you, mom, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, neighbor, niece, co-worker, Fabbs, and Aunty Darn. We will miss the daily phone calls, provoking thoughts, the laughter and family chats.
Your voice is never silenced, and your light is never gone.
Your presence never dimmed here; our memories are long. Darnell, you left an imprint on every heart that’s here
You’ll never know how very much we still can feel you near.
We know you’re resting without pain, there’s no more need to fight. And even though we think it’s wrong; our God is always right. So, we will kiss you one last time until that glorious day.
And as you enter heaven’s gates, please do it Darnell’s way.
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Memories will forever be cherished by your: CHILDREN: Savane, Diondre and Savion Penn
STEP-DAUGHTER: Latavia Penn STEP-GRANDCHILDREN: Saniyah Odena and Syaire Burton