Esther Mai Gardner

Esther (Mai) Washington Gardner was born to the parents, James Edd & Willie Mai Washington in (Robertson County) Springfield, TN. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at her residence in Nashville, Tennessee.

Esther was educated in Robertson County and was a 1953 graduate of Bransford High School. She continued her education and attended: (A&I) Tennessee State University 1953 where she met and married James Clinton Gardner in September of 1959.

Esther was employed by Baptist Hospital for many years and retired in 1999. She later worked with Meharry Daycare where she spread love to everyone she met.

Esther Gardner: A Life of Faith, Service, and Love

Esther Gardner joined Payne Chapel in 2019 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Anthony Sinkfield after being a devoted member of St. James AME Church for more than 45 years. Although leaving her church home after so many years was difficult, she trusted God’s guidance and was truly grateful for the love, fellowship, and spiritual support she found at Payne Chapel.

Esther’s faith journey was deeply rooted in the teachings of her mother and father, who instilled in her the importance of faith, prayer, and a life centered on God. Throughout her 90 years, her faith remained an unwavering source of strength, peace, and hope.

She especially cherished Psalm 136, a beautiful reminder of God’s enduring love and faithfulness, as well as Psalm 46:10 (KJV):

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

These passages reflected the quiet confidence and steadfast trust in God that defined Esther’s life.

Esther faithfully served her church community in many capacities, including as a Silver Torch Bearer of the Florence Grady Missionary Society, Trustee, Steward, Stewardess, and member of the Finance Team. She believed that everyone should build a personal relationship with God and make faith the foundation of their identity.

Professional Life & Caring for Children

Professionally, Esther dedicated 29 years to Baptist Hospital, serving in nursing and pediatrics. Following her retirement, her passion for caring for children continued as she and her husband opened their home to foster and care for 10 children. Her enduring love for children also led her to serve at both the Meharry Medical School Child Care Center and the 15th Avenue Baptist Church Child Care Center.

Community & Fellowship

When her health permitted, Esther enjoyed traveling, even though she never learned to drive. Before her diagnosis, she was in excellent health and could outwalk just about anyone. She looked forward to her weekly visits to the East Park Community Center, where she exercised, played card games, and enjoyed fellowship with fellow seniors. Esther believed in staying active, engaged, and connected to her community.

Esther enjoyed Arts & Crafts, puzzling, gaming, working in her yard

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, James Edd and Willie Mai Washington, her husband, James Clinton Gardner and son, Marcus Clinton Gardner.

Those left to cherish her sweet memories are her children, Gwendolyn (Clinton) Simon; Valencia (Lunzo) Martin; James Clinton (Shonica) Gardner; Lura Davis; Jerome James, devoted nephew, Jerome James, sisters: Evelyn (Samuel) Finch; Jimmie Cantrell; William (Connie) Washington; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews & friends as well as her best friend for over 70 Years Eva Head