Mrs. Johnnie Mae Gardner Lightner

November 18, 1927 - March 23, 2014

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Gardner Lightner died March 23, 2014 in Gainesville, FL. She was born 89 years ago in Dothan AL., to the late Mr. Auther Gardner and Mrs. Mary Eliza Mills. In 1951 she married her late husband Reuben Lightner. In 1952 her family moved to Wabasso Fl., where she raised her children and grand children. Her doors were always open to the kids in the neighborhood. Johnnie was a housewife, devoted mother and loving grand, great-grand, and great-great grandmother. Mrs. Lightner joined Faith Temple Evangelistic Church where she served faithfully until she moved. Mrs. Lightner and her late husband Reuben Lightner moved to Gainesville in 1998 to live with their daughter Carolyn. Left to cherish their memories are: Two sons Jerome Lightner of Melbourne, FL., Lamar Lightner of Vero Beach, FL., Six daughters Johnnie Lee Thomas of Vero Beach, FL., Annie Bea Crocton of Melbourne, FL., Sharon(Jerome) Bishop of Vero Beach, FL., Valara Lightner (Martinello) of Melbourne, FL., Valardine (Harold) Jukes of West Palm Beach, FL., Carolyn Lightner of Gainesville, FL., Judy Lightner Mulins and Anglee Lightner (deceased), Two sister Dorothy McElroy of New York and Charlie Mae Williams of Connecticut. A host of grands and great- grands . Also special caregivers Pamela Clark Cohen and James Hines.