With deepest and profound sympathy, we announce the transition of Mrs. Synita McKie Gardner who entered into rest January 8, 2025.

On January 16, 1938, in Salley, South Carolina, Synita McKie Gardner was "miraculously" born to Willie and Mozell McKie. She was the first born of their nine children. Her birth was "miraculous" because she was born prematurely, at seven months, during a time in which there was little chance of survival for premature infants. Immediately after her birth, the doctor that delivered Synita laid her at the foot of the bed (not in her mother's arms) and told her parents there was no hope. "BUT GOD!" Mozell, believing in the report of the Lord, picked her baby up and immediately loved, nurtured, cared for, and fed her (with a medicine dropper) child until she grew stronger and stronger! As a woman of God, Mozell raised Synita up in the "knowledge and fear of the Lord!" As a young child, Synita came to Salvation in Christ and served as a faithful member of Jerusalem Branch Baptist Church in Salley, South Carolina under the ministry of Rev. George W. Brightharp.

Synita's early education was in the community school (which only went through 7th grade) for "colored" children of Salley. To continue her education beyond the 7th grade, Synita, through opportunities given by her parents, chose to attend the Historic Mather Academy in Beaufort, South Carolina. She chose Mather because their curriculum included being able to learn to play the piano, which was a dream and great passion of Synita's since early childhood. This decision caused her to leave home at the age of 13, in 1951, and become a boarding student at Mather
Academy. She was a student of Mather through four years of high school and two years of junior college. Synita continued her education at Morris College, where she distinguished herself as a scholar, an honor student, and was even crowned Miss Morris College of 1959. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Morris and began her teaching career in Columbia, South Carolina. As a child of God, Synita spent her life serving the Lord by serving humanity. She was an outstanding, dedicated, exceptionally caring teacher for more than 30 years. Upon retirement in 1994, she went on to serve as a substitute teacher for 20 additional years.

Synita used her talent and passion for music to serve as a church musician for more than 60 years, beginning at local churches in Beaufort while attending Mather Academy. She went on to faithfully serve at Old Storm Branch Baptist Church for 50 years as lead church musician, senior choir musician and choir director, and children's choir musician and choir director. Additionally, she served at Young Storm Branch Baptist Church as lead church musician for more than 25 years. Synita served with gladness and joy and always had a beautiful smile that demonstrated kindness in all she did for others. As a caring, compassionate community member, Synita could also be found frequently ministering to and visiting the elderly and others who were in need.

Having fun, loving, spending time with, and caring for family was a central and vitally important part of Synita's life. As the eldest of nine, she was "like" a mother to her siblings. She was married to Eugene Gardner, and they are the parents of five children. Synita was a loving mother who spent a great deal of time with her children while raising them. She was no less dedicated to her grandchildren.

She leaves to lovingly cherish her memory - Children: Iris (Stafford) Simpkins of North Augusta, SC, Latrice Gardner of Augusta, GA, Karen Gardner of Columbia, SC, Christopher Gardner of Statesville, NC (her eldest child, Franklin Gardner preceded her in death) Grandchildren: Lakesha (Eric) Webb of Conyers, GA, LeBrandi Gardner of Washington, DC, DeAndre Williams of Charlotte, NC, Kyle Ferguson of Columbia, SC, Christopher Gardner, II of Charlotte, NC, Paris Ferguson of Columbia, SC, Braeden Gardner of Charlotte, NC. Great-Grandchildren: Anzaye Key, AyTiona Williams, Nadira Williams, Omari Williams, and Aria Mozell Ferguson. Siblings: Freddie McKie of Rock Hill, SC, Jacob (Lois) McKie of Columbia, SC, Bobby (Marilyn) McKie of Aurora, CO, Gerald (Geneva) McKie of Beech Island, SC, Bonita McKie of Grovetown, GA, and Audrey Gadsen of Columbia, SC. Brother-In-Law, and Sister-In-Law: Linzie & Beatrice Tompkins of New York, NY. Lifelong Dear Best Friends: Ruthella Rearden of North Augusta, SC, Clara Bush of Bath, SC, and Evelyn J. Johnson of Wagener, SC. Goddaughter: Alicia Rearden Mixson of North Augusta, SC. Special Daughters: Patricia "Pat" Geter of Beech Island, SC, and Ingrid "Connie" Gardner of Indian Trail, NC, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Synita's life is a testament to the song, "May the Work I've Done Speak for Me." She was an incredibly loving and exceptional mother and a long-serving, dedicated, committed teacher, musician, Sunday School and Bible School teacher, community leader, and volunteer . . . A true servant of the Lord!

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Old Storm Branch Baptist Church with the Rev. Martris Mims officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:30 pm until 5:30 pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

To contact the Gardner Family, please call (803) 292-8255 or (706) 951-5549.

Professional Care has been entrusted to G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.