Edna Earl Gardner Gray passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center, with her family by her side. She was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Edna was born May 31, 1956, in Tupelo Mississippi to Frances and Earlie Gardner. She attended Carver High School and obtained a GED from ICC Tupelo.

In 1972, Edna and James Larry Jackson brought into the world a son Charles A. Gardner Sr. whom she loved more than anything (anything)!! She was employed at Walmart Super Center from 1989-2020, where she met so many people that became extended family (Nancy, Lisa, Tee, Casandra, Regina, Howard, Debra, Rhonda) and a host of others until her health would no longer allow her to fulfill her duties.

Edna professed hope in Christ at an early age and united with Rising Star M.B. Church she was a faithful member and served in many roles within the church (usher board, choir, BTU, Golden Circle Group). She loved doing work for the Lord and it brought her a ton of joy. She "Loved People" her signature greeting was a kiss on the cheek leaving her red lipstick stain. She always said what she meant and meant what she said but with Love!

She was married twice; Otis Hill Sr. and Sammie T. Gray. She leaves to cherish her memories, one son Charles A. Gardner Sr. (Terra); additional sons, Willie E. Poster (Kelon), Jimmy Carr II (Tanisha); sisters: Delois Hamilton, Claudia Howard, Earlie Johnson (Odis), Jannie Martin, Mary Perkins, Greta Perkins, all of Tupelo MS , Yvonne McCary of Chicago II, and Shirley Sanders of Ripley TN; brothers, Neal Garmon and John Perkins both of Tupelo MS; grandchildren, Charles A. Gardner Jr. aka (C]), Kennedi N. Gardner and Cayson A. Gardner, two great-grandchildren, Mason A. Gardner and Kori Ann Garnder; two additional daughters, Candria Lewis, and Kimberly Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jimmy Carr, Earlie Gardner Jr., Ben Gardner, James Garmon, and Frank Gardner; sisters, Ruthy Pearl Long, and Esperuinzeta Lauderdale.