John Q. Gardner, Jr.

John was born on January 27, 1949, in Washington, D.C. His parents, the
late John Q. Gardner, Sr. and Lola E. Gardner preceded him in death along
with his sisters, Mary Lee, Velma Ruth, and Minnie Lou, and his only
brother, Lensor.

He attended McKinley Technology High School, Washington, D.C., and
received his high school diploma in 1967. He maintained a B-A grade
point average and played on the varsity football team. He then went onto
Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana, where he received his Bachelor of
Science degree in 1971. He also played football on the Franklin College
varsity team. His last educational accomplishment before he started his
professional employment was at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and in 1972 he received his Masters of Business
Administration degree.

John was a person who had an abundance of faith and demonstrated his
faith in the Lord throughout his life. In childhood, his parents took him to
church on Sundays. He became a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, in
the heart of Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

While attending college, John joined 2nd Baptist Church, Evanston, Illinois,
where he was ordained as a Deacon. After graduating college and
following successful employment in Chicago, he returned to Washington,
D.C. and joined 1st Baptist Church of Glen Arden, Glen Arden, Maryland,
where he enjoyed being a member of the Male Chorus. He was an active
member of this church for 20 years, until the onset of the Covid pandemic.
Because of his declining health, he continued to worship on-line at home.
John gained much success in his careers and work life. After he
graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, he worked in computer sales
for fortune 500 companies such as IBM, AT&T, General Electric, and
Westinghouse. He was rewarded for exceeding sales requirements for
many years. He was always great at selling almost anything, especially if it
was technical in nature.

In 2002, John started his career as a math teacher for the Prince George’s
County Public Schools which was another accomplishment in a different
field. He loved teaching math to children and enjoyed very much his
tenure with Prince George's County Schools. His last teaching assignment
was at the CMIT Academy Public Charter School, Laurel, MD. Health
issues prevented him from continuing to teach. He retired in 2013.

John was down-to-earth and fun loving. He really enjoyed a debate where
he could exhibit how well he was educated and well informed. If there was
disagreement, he would talk and laugh until everyone involved reached
agreement or they agreed not to agree.

Some of his favorite pastimes were cooking, grilling outdoors on the patio,
and watching sports and movies on Prime and Netflix. During his life, he
really enjoyed playing tennis and golf until his poor health intervened.
Counseling and advising family and friends gave him great joy. He was so
happy with his purchase of a new home in Jessup, Maryland. He was
determined and resilient in his fight with long term illnesses.
Following his move to his new home in November 2024, he departed this
life suddenly in February 2025.

He leaves to cherish his memory: beloved sister, Ernestine Smith (Earl
Sr.) Burtonsville, MD; devoted, caring, sidekick niece, Francine Walden,
Laurel, MD; niece-Jennifer Jackson (Dwayne); nephew-Earl Smith, Jr.;
nephew-Ernest Smith (Nikole); nephew-Eric Smith; nephew-Reginald
Walden, Jr.; nephew-Donnell Seales (Jackie); God-children; and many
other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

But the Lord stood with
me and strengthened me.
2 Timothy 4:17
"You fought a good fight.
Now take your rest in
God's arms. We love you,
and we know you loved
us."

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