The fulfilling life of Thomasena Hammond Gardner, a native of Ridge Spring, S.C., came to a close on Wednesday morning, December 3, 2014 in Dover, where she resided for the past 10 years. Born to the late Willie and Virginia Hammond on February 26, 1922, she was beloved by many for her devotion to family and friends. She was committed to education and lived a life full of civic duties, church responsibilities, and educator to her community. Her motto: "Being of service as long as I am able to serve." She received her early education in Ridge Spring, S.C. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Benedict College, Columbia, S.C. and a Master's Degree in Education from South Carolina State University. Her certification in Library Science and Teaching were both earned at South Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina. Thomasena's teaching career began at Hampton Elementary School, Leesville, S.C. and ended in the Allendale County Public School's System with a total of 40 years of service. Even after her retirement, she was a freelance librarian, researcher, and storyteller. She loved opening up the imagination of young children with vivid new worlds discovered in books. She was happily married to the late Leon F. Gardner, Sr. of Allendale, S.C. for 55 years (1942 – 1997). From this marriage, three sons and one daughter were born. Thomasena was a proud and devoted member of Happy Home Baptist Church, where she served on the Deaconess and Trustee Boards and was a member of the Senior Choir and Missionary Society. She was an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, where she promoted education through scholarships. Thomasena was a community leader in Allendale. Her civic, political and professional memberships reflect her commitment, passion, and dedication to improve the world around her. Her affiliations included the following: Allendale's Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Beautification Committee, County Library Board, AARP, American Legion Auxiliary, LaDames Art Club, Allendale Branch of NAACP, AAUW, South Carolina Retired Education Association, African American Cultural Center (Board Member), Relay for Life, and Spring Festival Committee. Upon moving to Dover to join her family, Mrs. Gardner became a watchcare member of Mt. Zion AME Church. She also transferred into Epsilon lot Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and also joined the Dover Modern Maturity Center. Thomasena was preceded in death by her husband Leon F. Gardner, Sr.; her daughter, Carolyn Gardner; and two sons, Eddie and Erwin Gardner. To mourn her passing, she leaves behind her son, Leon F. Gardner, Jr. (Carolyn) of Camden; a daughter, Gloria M. Gardner of Dover; three granddaughters, Sonya Gardner of Dover, Davita Gardner of Felton, Carole Gardner Diarra (Adrian) of New York, N.Y.; two grandsons, Leon Gardner, III (Tina) of Felton, Antonio Edwardo Gardner (Britnnee) of Orlando, Fla.; four great-grandsons, Kyle Gardner, Kegan and Rodney Miller, Timothy Banks; three great-granddaughters, Charolette Thomasena Diarra, Adrianna Miller and Zyaire Miller, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held in Dover, on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. Viewing will be 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; funeral service following at 6:00 p.m. at the Bennie Smith Chapel. A second "Celebration of Life" will take place in Allendale, S.C. on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Viewing will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with funeral service following at the Happy Home Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Zion Branch Cemetery, Allendale, S.C.