JoAnn Gardner

March 2, 1941 – January 9, 2026

JoAnn Gardner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on
January 9, 2026, in Highland Village, Texas, at the age of 84.

JoAnn was born on March 2, 1941, in Merkel, Texas, to Connie and J.R. Johnson. She
attended Merkel High School, where she was a twirler in the MHS band and met the love of
her life, Terry Gardner, who lovingly called her "Dodie Hun." They shared a special
connection and wonderful sense of humor that they carried with them throughout their 68
devoted years of marriage.

She was known by all who knew her for her selflessness, kindness, and genuine care for
others. JoAnn had a humble, giving heart and always put the needs of those she loved before
her own. Her warmth and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

JoAnn had a quiet yet joyful, fun-loving personality and a unique sense of humor. She loved
to enjoy life and cherished time spent laughing with family and friends, always bringing joy,
light, and laughter into the room.

She was a talented artist who loved painting in her free time, often drawing inspiration from
nature and her love for birds.

JoAnn also loved playing golf. As a couple, she and Terry had the privilege of traveling to
beautiful locations over the years to play in golf tournaments with friends and family,
creating countless treasured memories together. In her early years, she was a member of
the Merkel Country Club, where she spent many happy days playing golf with close friends.

JoAnn was an amazing mother and homemaker, happily raising her two daughters. Before
becoming a mother, she worked with Terry at their family newspaper, The Merkel Mail. She
later worked as a teacher's aide at Merkel Elementary. After years in education, she and
Terry created a successful printing business in Abilene, Texas, where they worked side by
side for many years before retiring to the countryside near Winnsboro, Texas. There, they
enjoyed a peaceful life together surrounded by the beautiful woods of East Texas.

JoAnn was a humble and faithful follower of Christ. She was a member of the United
Methodist Church in Merkel during her early years. In retirement, when her health allowed,
she attended Holly Tree Bible Church in Holly Lake, Texas.

She is survived by her loving husband, Terry Gardner; her daughters, Carla Scriber and
husband Glen Scriber, and Crystie Savage; her grandchildren, Dawson Scriber, Brandon
Scriber, and Chastity Savage; two great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law,
Lisa Moore and Davis Moore; sister-in-law Penny Willhite; her cousins, Minyon Ramsey and
Roger and Gayla Beaird; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and beloved family members.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her mother, Connie Lee Johnson; her father, J.R. Johnson;
and her brother, Johnny Wayne Johnson.

JoAnn will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her natural beauty, loving and
happy heart, caring spirit for others, and deep devotion to her family. Her legacy of kindness
and love will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Services will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, 1:30 pm at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 740 S. Edmonds Lane, Lewisville, TX 75067

Arrangements by Mulkey-Mason Funeral home, Lewisville, TX.