JoAnn Gardner

JoAnn Elizabeth Gardner, 76, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on May 18, 2025. She was born on January 28, 1949.

JoAnn was the loving wife of Bill Gardner, with whom she shared 49 wonderful years. Together, they enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with their family. JoAnn had a remarkable green thumb-her home and yard were always full of flowers and plants.

She was especially proud of her family and was a devoted mother and grandmother. JoAnn also had a passion for crafting jewelry and a lifelong love of antiques. She enjoyed traveling and never missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren at their sporting events.

Known for her generous and kind spirit, JoAnn often took others under her care in times of need. She was a mother figure to many beyond her own children. She and her husband were affectionately known as "Aunt Jo" and "Uncle Bill" by those whose lives they touched.

JoAnn's warmth, creativity, and deep love for others will be remembered by all who knew her.

Preceded in death by Parents William DeFriece and Constance Smith Defriece and Husband William Donald Gardner - Preceded; siblings: Shirley Thomas, Gary DeFriece, Jackie DeFriece, James Lee (JL) DeFriece; loved ones Angie Wright; Cameron Lowery.

She leaves behind to cherish her children: Shay Parker (David), Susan Baker (Jason), John DeFriece (Teresa), Beaujan Sneed; grandchildren: Zach Owenby (Jessica), Aubrey Lee, Madison Baker, Mackenzie Baker, Levi William Edward Baker, A.J. Sneed, Jessica Sneed, and Brianna Defriece. His great-grandchildren, Cooper Owenby and Rhett Owenby. Her cousin best friend Brenda Hartman.

Nieces and Nephews and respective families: Kelly Kraft, Pam Pike, Lindy and Brian Burton, Chris Thomas and Autumn, Ashton Dunn, Aleigha Enalls, Mitzie Womack, Lisa Woods, Kim Burns Kim Burns and also preceded in death by his sister in law, Shirley Thomas and niece Angie Wright.

A memorial reception will be held from 1pm until 4pm on Sunday June 1st at the Olive Branch Event Center located at 109 Interstate Drive NE, Cleveland, TN 37312.

You are invited to share a personal memory of JoAnn or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com.