Elouise Lee Gardiner

Posted on July 22, 2020

Elouise Lee Gardiner, 92, passed away on July 10, 2020. in Indio, Calif.

She was born March 5, 1928, on the family farm outside of Day, Fla., to BW Lee and Annie Bell Moye Lee.

Ms. Gardiner was the first in her family to graduate from college, attending Stetson University.

Upon graduation her first job was as a Pinkerton detective in New York City.

She devoted her life to public service, first by working as a civilian in the military, then as an educator in her beloved Taylor County.

She served her community as a teacher, guidance counselor and then as Superintendent of Schools for the Taylor County School District. She was known for her love of serving all students, her kindness and genuine smile.

Ms. Gardiner was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, serving on numerous committees. She was also a long-term member of the Perry Rotary Club, serving as the first female president in its 75 year history.

She also was an active community member serving on the Perry Hospital Board, the Library Board, Tree Capital Credit Union, Taylor Education Foundation, the Perry Garden Club and (we are sure) many others.

Her community work was recognized by the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in 2012, designating her as their 2012 “Lady of the Year.”

 It would be remiss to not mention Ms. Gardiner’s love of bridge. She loved playing and she loved passing on her passion by teaching others how to play. She belonged to numerous clubs and would continue to play even after her memory began to fade.

Ms. Gardiner was preceded in death by: her parents, BW and Annie Bell Lee; her sisters, Lucile Lee Mixon and Louise Lee Shipman; and her brothers, William (Buck) Lee, Lamar Lee and Kenneth Lee.

She is survived by: her daughters, Robin Gardiner Poncia and Melissa Gardiner Ignacio; her grandchildren, Cameron Poncia, Jamieson Poncia, Laur Torres en Ignacio and Haley Ignacio; and sisters-in-law Connie Lee and Marilyn Lee; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at a later date. In her memory, a financial gift to Big Bend Hospice or the Taylor Education Foundation would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

All arrangements are in the care of Burns Funeral Home.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.