Suellen A. Gardner

SuEllen Aurelia Gardner was born on September 6, 1956, in Washington DC, to Mrs. Hazel M. Gardner and Mr. Garfield Gardner. She was raised in a Christian home by her mother, alongside her six sisters, Evelyn, Rosalee, Marilyn (Chuckie), Joyce, Janet, and Jewel. Under the tutelage of Second Baptist Church Southwest’s then minister of music, Mother Hazel M. Gardner, SuEllen’s home was often filled with love, laughter, and melodious tunes of gospel. Guided by the musical talent of their mother, the sisters formed a singing group, many times singing songs of praise in Second Baptist Church Southwest, once located at 1201 M Street SW, in Washington DC. SuEllen was baptized at SBCSW at an early age, under the leadership of the late Reverend Jesse A. Brown, who often deemed her as his “little princess”. As the little princess grew older, she became an active member of the church, lending her melodic voice to multiples choirs, including the Youth Crusaders, the Angelic Choir, the United Fellowship Choir, and the Gospel Ensemble. Whether a background vocalist or a featured soloist, her voice echoed like a siren’s song. It, much like her personality, was vibrant and pure. And when she sang a song, she told a story. One that she graciously shared with every listening ear. SuEllen often sang a song – reminiscing on her tenure with the Gospel Ensemble – where the lyrics mimicked the faith she carried with her daily. The lyrics read, “What a Great God I serve. He’s better to me than I deserve. He cares like a mother and sticks closer than a brother. The least that I can do is praise His holy name.” SuEllen loved the Word of God and lived faithfully committed to His holy name. After graduation, she began her career as a government employee at The U.S. Department of Transportation and later retired from The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Her years of service to the federal government spanned over forty years. Once retired, SuEllen found solace in the company of family. She was known to many as the life of the party. Her smile and candidness added flare to the mood of any room. She was a vibe all on her own! While she too, enjoyed the pleasantries of soap operas, shopping, and music, she specifically enjoyed spending quality time with her only son, Garfield Shadaun “Bunky” Gardner. The relationship between mother and son is and ever shall be inseverable. SuEllen leaves to cherish her memory, her loving son, Garfield; adoring sisters, Evelyn, Rosalee, Marilyn (Chuckie), Joyce, Janet, and Jewel; and a host of nieces and nephews – Angie, Kim, Rene, Paul, Gwen, Paulette, Trish, Schaun, Vicky, Austin, Layton, Gayle, Donnie, Bun Bun, Michael, Eric, Mickey (may he rest in peace), Earl, Rob, Victor, Shayla, Kaya, Braxton, Kenon, Sincere, Davon, Davianna, and Tyla.

Tributes

Suellen A. Gardner

September 6, 1956 - October 2, 2025