Melva Jean (Wade) Gardner

Services for Melva Jean (Wade) Gardner, 86, of Ringling are scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ Gospel Tabernacle in Ringling with Bro. Ronnie Carroll officiating. Interment will follow at Ringling Memorial Cemetery. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Ringling.

Melva was born June 20, 1939, in Ringling, to the late Mr. Melvin Edward Wade and Mrs. Jewell Christine (Burton) Wade. She went to her heavenly home on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Growing up in the warm community of Ringling, Melva embraced her education and graduated with the class of 1957. Shortly after graduation, she began her professional journey at Moore Drug Store in Ringling, where her caring nature was evident to all who encountered her. In 1958, Melva married the love of her life, Bobby Gene Gardner, in a beautiful ceremony held at the Rexroat Baptist Church in Wilson. Their love story blossomed as they established their home in Ringling, where they were blessed to raise two daughters, Brenda and Becky. Melva's dedication to her family served as a foundation for their lives, marked by her unyielding support and encouragement. Melva embraced her calling as an educator commenced in 1968 as a head start teacher, a role she cherished and fulfilled with great passion for nearly four decades before retiring. Alongside her commitment to teaching, she pursued an associate’s degree. Throughout her storied career, Melva blessed the lives of countless children, touching their hearts and shaping their futures with her kindness, empathy, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people. Beyond her time in the classroom, Melva was a woman of many talents and passions. She had a love for travel and enjoyed shopping, which brought her joy and excitement. She was also a seamstress, often sewing for others while balancing the joys and challenges of motherhood. Additionally, her creative spirit found expression in her love for painting. Melva will be remembered not just for her accomplishments but for the essence of her character. She was the embodiment of love and kindness, with a pure soul that radiated warmth to all those fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy is woven into the lives she touched, the lessons she imparted, and the love she shared.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Melvin and Jewell; husband, Bobby Gene Gardner on August 29, 1981; brother, Darrell Wade.

Survivors include her two daughters, Brenda Roberts and husband Brian, Becky Goodman and husband Leonard all of Ringling; siblings, Julene Johnson of Ardmore, Cotton Wade and wife Linda of Pottsboro, TX, Sharon McAnally and husband Phil of Ardmore, and Mike Wade and wife Debbie of Dallas, TX.; grandchildren, Randy Stowers, Nick Stowers and wife Alison, Chance Goodman, Briar Roberts, Lanie Keiser and husband Dirk, Melissa Goodman, Keagan Roberts and wife Carrie, Kody Roberts and wife Brittney; 11 great grandchildren; numerous other family and many special friends.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Wade, Keith Wade, Jerry Wade, Johnny Wade, David Wade, Matt McAnally, and Bill Lemley.

Honorary bearers are Tracey Rapier and Casey Rapier.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 P.M., Wednesday evening, at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Ringling.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.