Anita Gardner

Anita (Nita) Gardner, age 72, entered into the eternal presence of the Lord on Tuesday, June 9, 2025, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, AR Anita was born on October 25, 1952, in Little Rock, AR to Arthur and Willie Mae Finch. She accepted Christ at an early age at St. Paul Missionary Baptist church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. P. J. James. Later in life, she joined Northside Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Johnny Williams. After marrying her husband, she joined St. John AME Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Julia Hemphill where she remained a faithful and dedicated member until her death. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Willie Mae Finch, husband, Bobby Gardner, her beloved daughter, Briah Michelle Gardner-Maples, three brothers: Larry, Christopher, and Augustus Finch and one sister, Artha Faye Finch Adams. Nita had a zest for life and found joy in many simple pleasures. She loved cooking, shopping, traveling, gardening, and watching game shows. Her favorites included Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. Anita was also a devoted fan of the soap opera, "The Young and the Restless. She had an angelic singing voice and often lifted her spirit through song -- one of her favorites being "Fix It, Jesus." Anita dedicated over 33 years of her life to educating and uplifting others. Her tenacity paid off, allowing her to achieve her degree while raising a family at the same time! Her career began with seven years of teaching in Lake View, Arkansas, followed by 26 years of service with Blytheville Public Schools. A proud 1972 graduate of Blytheville High School, Anita went on to earn a BSE in Business Education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. She was initiated into the Lambda Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in December 1999. Anita leaves to cherish her memories one son, Kaelin Gardner, Kennett, MO, one daughter, Dr. LaDonna Finch, St. Louis, MO, two sisters, Sandra Finch, Wynne, AR and Ruby Lee Hinton, Little Rock, AR. She is also survived by three bonus sons, Glenn (Sergeant Valorie) Baker of California, Josh Smith of Chicago, IL, Patrick (Jeanette) Gardner of Jonesboro, AR, cherished lifelong friends, Linda Thomas of Kennett, MO, Linda Whiteside of Jonesboro, AR, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Nita's legacy lives on in the joy she brought to others and the love she shared with friends and family alike. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Chapel in Kennett. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service. Burial will be in Wlloughby Cemetery in Kennett. Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.