In loving memory of

Joyce Lynn Yates Gardner
December 3, 1959 - December 24, 2021

A link to view the live stream will be posted here 30 minutes prior to services.

https://boxcast.tv/view/joyce-yates-gardner-celebration-of-life-service-303464

Family Video Tribute.
https://boxcast.tv/view/joyce-family-video-otggl8mm3dlywldydsi0




Joyce Yates Gardner December 3, 1959 - December 24, 2021
Preceded in death by parents William and Mary Yates and special friend Tammy Smith.
Survived by husband Anthony Gardner, step daughter Amber Burress [Daniel] and grandson Christopher Burress. Brothers Tom Yates [Vicki], Bill Yates [Judy], John Yates [Kari], Chuck Yates [Kris], and James Yates. Sisters Grace Wipf [Roger] and Mary O'Neill [Dennis].
Joyce is also survived by many nieces and nephews everyone of which were very special to her.
And survived by special friend since childhood, Margo Forsythe and family, and numerous friends from North High School who supported and loved Joyce during her 2-year illness.
Joyce received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Kearney State University. She later earned a Master's Degree in Counseling from University of Nebraska Omaha. Joyce was a 6th grade teacher at Belvedere Elementary before becoming a counselor at Martin Luther King Elementary and Western Hills Elementary in Omaha. She became a middle school counselor at Estherville [Iowa] Middle School and received awards for her work as a volunteer counselor for traumatized first responders in a 5 county area of Northwest Iowa.
The World is definitely a better place because of Joyce Yates Gardner. Her smile, her laughter, her love, and positive attitude was shared by everyone!
VISITATION 5-7pm, Thurs., Dec. 30, 2021 at Forest Lawn. FUNERAL SERVICE 2pm, Fri., Dec. 31 at Forest Lawn with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flower or gifts you may donate to
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation Inc.
3634 W. Market St. Ste 110 Akron OH 44333 help@cjdfoundation.org

Tributes

Lori Mendicino wrote on Dec 31, 2021:

"What a beautiful and heartfelt family video tribute to Joyce. She touched so many lives...she will be missed by all who knew her. "

Laurie Hufferd Herrick wrote on Dec 31, 2021:

"What a lovely service for a very lovely lady. I have great memories of her, especially her laugh and smile. She is one of the kindest people I have ever met. Prayers for all of her loved ones and friends. Laurie Hufferd Herrick"

Ann Luther wrote on Dec 31, 2021:

"Joyce was an amazing counselor and friend during our years together at OPS. I just finished watching the service and am in awe of how truly amazing this unassuming, yet totally charismatic, lady lived her life. She continues to inspire all to live life, love life, and love one another. It is a blessing to have known her and I continue to hear her laughter in my heart. Ann Luther, fellow counselor OPS. "

Carol Pederson wrote on Dec 30, 2021:

"Tony and Joyce's family, I remember Joyce being such a bright spot at Belvedere. I am sorry, Carol Pederson"

Louetta wrote on Dec 30, 2021:

"Our family remembers Joyce caring for her students and pushing them to achieve their best. Tony our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim, Louetta, Brent, Brandon, Travis, Schulze "

Kelly Wheeler Murphy wrote on Dec 29, 2021:

"Joyce-your smile and your laughter were infectious as was your love of life, love for your family and love for your special group of dear friends. You were loved by many and will be missed greatly. Kelly Wheeler Murphy"

Janet Martin wrote on Dec 29, 2021:

"Joyce along with her very good friend Margo were two of my very favorite people at North High. I?m so very sorry about her passing. Sending sympathy and prayers to the family and friends. She will be missed by everyone? Bob Murray "

Preister Donald wrote on Dec 28, 2021:

"Hello Tony, I'm thinking of you my friend. You have my support in your loss of Joyce. Don Preister "

Vicki Muilenburg wrote on Dec 28, 2021:

"Joyce could light up a room when she entered. Her smile and laughter will never be forgotten by those who knew her. I was always amazed at the wonderful praises by students and coworkers from OPS who worked with Mrs Gardner! Tony, my thoughts and prayers are with you."

Janet Edmonds wrote on Dec 28, 2021:

"My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family, May you find peace and hope in the difficult days ahead by trusting in God. Romans 15:13"

Trish Seffron-Wade wrote on Dec 28, 2021:

"So sorry for your family's loss. Trish Seffron-Wade"

Angela Thomas wrote on Dec 28, 2021:

"Mr. Gardner we are so sad to hear of the passing of Mrs.Gardner She was a great teacher . She will be missed. Angela & Antwynn Berry"

Kerry Adams wrote on Dec 27, 2021:

"How beautiful Joyce looks. She was a lovely child. That's when I know her growing up across the street on Florence Blvd. Her parents were kind people. What a legacy she created. A treasure. Blessings, Kerry Evans Adams"

Crystal Moore wrote on Dec 27, 2021:

"Tony: I'm not sure if you remember me, but Joyce and I worked together at Seasons Center in Estherville and Spirit Lake for several years. She was a wonderful mental health therapist and I'm proud to call her my friend! I have fond memories of coming to your lake home and Joyce was such a great hostess. I'm so sorry for your great loss. I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Crystal Moore"

Amy Batten wrote on Dec 27, 2021:

"I have such fond memories of Joyce. I looked up to her as a counselor. She will be greatly missed."