Tributes

God is the Liberator of those who freedom cannot release, the Physician of those who medicine cannot cure and the Comforter of those who time cannot comfort. On Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 12:35 pm, the Liberator, Physician and Comforter allowed the death angel to enter the home of Lester Lee Gardner and permitted his storm to pass over him, releasing him from his pain and suffering. Lester Lee Gardner, the second child of the late Bishop James W. and Viola Hilliard Gardner, was born on May 13, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Public School #35 where his teachers saw his gift of music and he was selected to attend the prestigious High School of Music and Arts in New York. After graduating from high school he attended City College of New York and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. While in college, he played with the New York Symphony Orchestra which included several performances at Carnegie Hall. After graduation, Lester worked for the New York State Department of Labor and continued his education to pursue his Master’s Degree in music. While pursuing his Master’s degree, he was drafted into the United States Army where he was recognized for his musical talent and became a part of the Entertainment Division, giving him the opportunity to travel extensively while entertaining the military troops and civilians in Europe and the United States. After his tour, he received an honorable discharge and returned to the New York State Department of Labor. He worked there until his retirement. While in Brooklyn, New York, Lester was a member of Saint Mary Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, where his father was the Pastor. He served as the Director of Music. Under Lester's direction, the Angelic Choir received many accolades and appeared on Gospel Time, a television program. Choir members knew of his sincere dedication to his music and they took rehearsals very seriously. On one of his trips to North Carolina, he was introduced to Zenora (Zee) and that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. They were married in New York and later made their home in Greenville, NC. Lester joined Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Howard W. Parker, Jr. He served in the music department as pianist and he regularly attended Sunday School. Lester enjoyed life and music was his antidote during his illness. He worked hard and encouraged others to include music as a part of their lives. He felt that music expressed the words that cannot be spoken. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife, Zenora, two daughters, Terina and Darylana Gardner of Columbia, South Carolina, two sons, Charles Langley of New York and Walter Bolden of Greenville, North Carolina; one Grandson, Karrington Gardner of Columbia, South Carolina: one brother, James Gardner, Jr. (Selma) of Teaneck, New Jersey, one sister, Barbara Gardner-Brown (Wheeler) of Greenville, North Carolina, one Aunt, Mrs. Emma Gardner, of Warsaw, North Carolina one sister-in-law, Gayle Hardy of Greenville, North Carolina and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens. (2 Corinthians 5: 1)

Tributes

Mr. Lester Lee Gardner

May 13, 1935 - February 28, 2017