Renee Gardner

After spending her childhood years in Hempstead, New York, Renee graduated Hempstead High School in 1975 and went on to Wilberforce University in Ohio where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications/Journalism. Her educational journey did not end there, as over the years she also obtained a Master of Science degree in Communications Arts/Advertising from The New York Institute of Technology as well as a Master of Library and Information Sciences degree from LIU Post.

While event planning and career counseling is what Renee excelled at for most of her life, her true passion was being surrounded by books in the library. An avid reader, Renee was able to fulfill that dream and spend the last 5 years of her career working as the head librarian at The Jersey College School of Nursing in Tampa. Here she was able to help nursing students with their studies as well as offering a haven for students to vent and have someone to listen to them during the stressful times of becoming a nurse.

Outside of work, Renee adored her son Jonathan and grandson Anthony. Her favorite was having Anthony over for sleepovers, where activities were planned well in advance and Chick-fil-A stops almost always guaranteed. Renee also loved to go bowling. After work, you could probably find her at the AMF bowling alley where she rarely paid to bowl, as she quickly became friends with all the managers. Renee loved to eat, so a quick dinner after work or weekend BBQs at Jonathan’s house were a regular and cherished occurrence.

Renee was a simple woman who appreciated the things that most take for granted. A seemingly normal leaf from a tree, or a beautiful sunset were enough to stop Renee in her tracks, snapping photos to share the moments with her family and friends. Renee had a deep understanding of valuing the world that we live in and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us. Wherever Renee went, people fell in love with her kindness and big heart. Helping others was what Renee lived for. Oftentimes struggling herself, she would never allow people to see her pain, but instead made sure that the people around her were always comforted and safe in their times of need. That selflessness will no doubt live on in everyone who has had the privilege of sharing a relationship with Renee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Gardner, Jr.

Survivors include her son, Jonathan Sheloff; grandson, Anthony Sheloff; life partner, Steven Sheloff; brother, Alonzo Gardner; and sisters, Alisa and Evelyn Gardner.

Visitation will be from 9:45 - 10:45 am, followed by a funeral service at 10:45 am, Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Blount and Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, Temple Terrace. Interment at Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blountcurryterraceoaks.com. If you would like to donate in lieu of flowers, you can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-expenses-for-renee-gardner.