Novella Johnson Gardner, age 90, of Nashville, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 1, 1934, to Thomas Lee Johnson and Lillian Novella Cox Johnson, Novella graduated from Isaac Litton High School in 1952. She was a proud majorette for the Litton High School Marching 100+ legendary Marching Band.
After obtaining her realtor license and achieving multiple million-dollar sales awards, the accolade that truly mattered to her was the commendation found in the Nashville Business Journal. It was a testament from one of Nashville’s foremost realtors, stating, “The individual I hold in highest esteem, for their unmatched integrity as an agent, is Novella Gardner.”
She embodied the essence of a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, leading a life of servant leadership by example. Her grandchildren, Griffon, Jazzy, and Riley, cherished the moments filled with laughter, play, and shared meals. For over 40 years, she remained a faithful member of Donelson Church of Christ, actively engaging in serving others within the community.
She was preceded in death by grandchildren, Sydney and Sophie Carlton; father, Thomas Lee Johnson; mother, Lillian Johnson; sister, Frances Johnson Wiggers and her brother-in-law, Albert R. Wiggers.
Novella is survived by husband, Arthur P. “Art” Gardner; daughters, Julie (Danny) Carlton and Joelle (Tim) Fox; grandchildren, Griffon Carlton, Jasmine Fox and Riley Fox.
A celebration of Novella’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. (visitation 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.) at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road, 615-331-1952. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as Pallbearers. https://www.woodbinefuneralhome.com
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
