Mrs. Thelma Ann Gardner

Thelma E. Gardner “Fenny” Thelma, affectionately known as “Fenny”, was born on June 20, 1943 to the union of Felton and Hazel Edward. She grew up in Washington, Louisiana where she attended Paul L. Dunbar School. She was an outstanding math student, affectionately known as ”egg-head”, a part of the Drama/Thespian Club, and also player #10 on the basketball team. She placed third in the state in math and traveled with the drama team to Grambling University. She received accolades as lead actress in “A Raisin In The Sun”. Thelma moved to Houston, Texas in the early 1960s. She met and married the late Joseph Jacko and three gorgeous girls, Deidra, Stephanie and Janine were born to this union. She later met and married her forever love Willie Gardner in 1978. It was in Houston that she was afforded the opportunity to begin her own business. She purchased a store and cleaners, known as Wheeler Street Cleaners” in Houston’s historic Third Ward community. Thelma became a well-respected pillar in Third Ward serving the community for over 50 years. Thelma was an unspoken yet monumental contributor and supporter of the historic Third Ward community. Everyone in the community also knew that she kept a clean corner at Wheeler and Canfield and was not afraid to be an enforcer. Socially, Thelma was known to be a great hostess, cook and card player who loved to take her chances at the casino, racetracks and gambling rooms. Her style and personality would light up any room and draw people to her. Thelma was giving and was willing to share with anyone who had a need. It was once said that Thelma was tight, but she was never cheap! Thelma was a loving, compassionate, generous and devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, two brothers: Edrick Edward and Felton Edward Jr., and four sisters: Lucy M. Edward, Delores Thomas Richard, Cecilia Guillory, and Kathy Johnson, and one daughter: Stephanie Ann- Jacko, She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters: Deidra and Janine, grandchildren: Retavious III, Porsha, Jocques, Kayla, J-Cody and Jada, great grandchild: Retavious IV, sisters: Patricia Pierre-Auguste (Charles), Judy Bilberry (Grady), Inez Grimes (Cloris), ex-husband: Willie Gardner - and a host of loving cousins, family and friends.

Mrs. Thelma Ann Gardner

June 20, 1943 - August 7, 2019