Mrs. Jane Brown Gardner

Jane Brown Gardner was born October 7, 1924 in Sumter, South Carolina. She was the youngest daughter of the late David Brown, Sr. and Mattie Eaddy Brown. Jane, also affectionately known as “Janie”, “Mother” and “Nana” departed this life into her heavenly home on April 7, 2015 at The Family Residential Care Home in Sumter, South Carolina. In her early years, Jane attended Sumter County public schools. As a young adult she married the love of her life, the late Mr. Elijah Gardner and resided in Florida. Shortly thereafter she returned to Sumter and took on the responsibility of raising her niece, the late Genova Gulston as her daughter after the passing of her mother and grandmother. After Genova finished her education, Jane and Elijah moved to Brooklyn, New York and lived there for 24 years. During her years in Brooklyn, she worked as a factory worker and was a faithful member of the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Claude L. Franklin and the late Rev. Robert A. Laws. In 1979, Jane and Elijah returned to Sumter, where they planned to spend their retired years. However, in June of 1981, Elijah drowned in a fishing accident. In order to support herself, she became a care giver and assisted the elderly and sick in their homes. In addition to being a care giver, she naturally became a homemaker and assisted with other duties in the home of those she worked for, which was a great benefit to many families. They considered her a gem. Jane was an obedient child of God and worshipped Him daily. She was a faithful member of the Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She loved her church, Pastor Marion H. Newton and fellow members dearly. While at Jehovah, she was a proud member of the Senior Missionaries and Adult Women Church School Class. She also enjoyed attending the many revivals, Bible Study and church celebrations over the years. In her spare time, Jane enjoyed gardening, including making sure her lawn was perfectly manicured and that her flowers blossomed in the spring. She was very proud of her yard, including the huge Magnolia tree in the backyard and plants on the porch. She definitely had a “green thumb” and was well known on Murphy Street as having a beautiful yard. Jane was also an excellent cook and thoroughly enjoyed cooking for family, friends and those in need. While at home, she was either in the yard, in the kitchen or going for a walk. Those left to cherish her precious memories are: a brother, Woodrow Brown; granddaughter, Yolanda (Gregory) Adams of Atlanta, Georgia; grandson, Jamal Gulston of Raleigh, North Carolina; a great-granddaughter Gabrielle Genova Adams of Atlanta Georgia: son-in-law, James Gulston of Queens, New York and a host of nieces and nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her sisters, Julia Swinton, Maybelle Brown and Annie Mae Brand; her brothers, David Brown, James Brown and Joseph Brown; and her niece whom she raised as her daughter, Genova Gulston.

Mrs. Jane Brown Gardner

October 7, 1924 - April 7, 2015