The Awesome Life of Frances Gardley
Frances McNeal Gardley completed her final transition from earth on June 23, 2017 in Stockton, California.
Frances was born on September 30, 1945 in Berkeley, CA to Ethel Gary and Robert Gardley Sr. Frances was raised by her father Robert and her 2nd mother Irma Gardley in San Francisco, CA with her four brothers and eight of her nine sisters. Frances completed her early education in the San Francisco Unified School District despite having narcolepsy (a sleeping disorder). She graduated from Balboa High School in San Francisco, CA. Frances was a lover of learning and continued her education at Laney College in Oakland, CA in the fields of nursing and culinary arts.
Frances received God as her Lord and Savior at a young age and in the late 80’s became a member of Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland, California.
Frances truly loved people and always had a word of encouragement or words of wisdom for all those she came across. Her home seemed to always attract neighborhood children and school friends of her daughters. She instilled a heart of compassion in her three daughters which they have also passed down to their children. Frances was a great cook that often created tasty meals and treats from the most unusual ingredients. You could always find Frances manning the grill at holiday cookouts or baking goodies.
Frances had a wonderful sense of humor. She would have you laughing and laughing until you couldn’t speak. She could entertain a room with her stories and comedic spin on all things. She especially liked sharing stories related to her many adventures working for the Girl Scouts of America; especially the one about being chased by a bear in Yellowstone National Park.
Frances really loved family. Being one of the older children, she often cared for her younger sisters and brothers and was honored to have cared for many of her nieces and nephews.
Frances was very astute in world affairs, even in her latter days. She enjoyed discussing politics, world news and current events. She was an avid audiobook reader when they were on cassettes.
Her children remember her as a driven, brilliant woman and a patient mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Her grandchildren will hold onto the great memories they shared and the things she taught them, like how to walk to school on their own, how to catch the bus, how to cook, and how to have respect for themselves.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Elaine Morrison, Lynn Gardley and Paula Gardley-Barnes, brother Fred Madkins and grandson Daniel Youngblood.
Frances leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Levetta Hill (Charles), Frances Mims, and Juanita Saffold (Randy). Grandchildren: David Laury (Rose), DeAnte Hill, Frances Collins, A’Londa Hall, Andrea Hill, David Hill, Eric White-Saffold, and Jaden White-Saffold. Great Grandchildren: Jazmine Harris, Gabrielle Marshall-Laury, and Kamilah Laury. Sisters: Clarice Baldwin, Esther Madkins, Irma Montgomery, Phyllis Green, Charlyene Scott (Leon), Beverly Streeter (Jessie), Charolett Gardley Brothers: Robert Gardley (Hattie), Paul Gardley (Gail), Martinique Gardley and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
VISITATION:
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 from 12pm- 8pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way Lodi, California 95240.
FUNERAL SERVICE:
Funeral services will be held 11am on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the Progressive Community Church on 2820 South "B" Street Stockton, California 95206.
INTERMENT
Interment will follow service at Cherokee Memorial Park on HWY 99 and Harney Ln in Lodi.