Sharon Yvette Gartner

Sharon Yvette Gartner passed away on April 22, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 9, 1960 in Charlottesville, Virginia where her Father was going to law school at the University of Virginia. After the family moved to Jacksonville, FL, Sharon attended the Bolles School and later graduated from Stetson University in Deland, FL. Upon returning to Jacksonville, she opened Precious Cargo, a very successful gift shop in the Deerwood Village Mall, which she owned for 20 years. She was a natural entrepreneur, made many friends and loved every aspect of her business.

As a young girl, Sharon's Grandfather passed on to her his love of plants, African violets in particular. Her interest was piqued! She was infatuated to the point that she took some of these violets along to college. But she always wanted to raise them on a grander scale. One day, she discovered an African violet club that was just forming (the Heart of Jacksonville African Violet Society), and she decided to follow her dream. Sharon quickly became a key member of this club, until she was at its very heart and soul. She became a world class grower, earning high awards at regional and national shows. She worked hard behind the scenes as well, and was the Treasurer for the African Violet Council of Florida, as well as one of the Directors and the Convention Show Awards Chair for the national organization, the African Violet Society of America.

Sharon was loved deeply by her family and had a particularly special bond with her nieces and nephews. In childhood, they loved to run around her store, play games, and have lunch at the nearby diner. She would spend the night on Christmas Eve and never missed a ski vacation. More recently, she had a bi-monthly tradition with her niece Hailey, getting their nails done while catching up on all the latest happenings in their lives. Sharon looked forward to spending every Sunday with her nephews, Justin and Austin, going to the movies and brunch, and discussing life. These are just a few of the many sentimental moments that created memories they will cherish forever. She, also, dearly loved her cats, and always had at least one by her side.

Sharon was preceded in death by her Father, Winfield Gartner. She is survived by her Mother, Zelda (Scottie); Brothers Kevin P. Gartner and Bruce Gartner; Sister-in-law Kasey Gartner; Nieces Hailey Gartner, Abby Gartner, and Mattie Gartner; and Nephews Austin Gartner and Justin Gartner.

A graveside service will be held in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 at 11:00am on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.