Mrs. Gaynell Casey

Gaynell Casey, affectionately known as “Mama”, went home to be with the Lord, November 16, 2014, peacefully surrounded by her children. She was born March 31, 1935, the daughter of Cleasie and Sarah Johnson Gardner in Okolona, MS. Gaynell relocated with her family to Kalamazoo, MI as an infant and remained a life-long resident. She attended Kalamazoo Public Schools, and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. She was employed by Zellerbach Corporation, working there until her retirement in 1994. She accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. She remained a member there until 1958, after the founding of Galilee Baptist Church. She remained an active member at Galilee, serving in various ministries, which included the Hospitality Ministry, until her passing. Gaynell enjoyed meeting with her many friends for weekly bible study held at the Ecumenical Senior Center and taught by Bro. Larry Harris. She also enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and was an avid bowler. Family was very important to her, and she enjoyed most of all being in the company of her five children, who were also her best friends. She was a soft-spoken, kind and very giving woman who would help anyone. She was very simple—and was not a pretentious person. But, when she was given a loving surprise by her son with a phone call from Billie Dee Williams, who gave her encouraging words and a birthday song from Chaka Khan during her illness, it brought a happiness and joy to her spirit. She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Casey; her parents; and son-in-law, Clyde Smith. Gaynell leaves to cherish her memories, her 5 children who have been dedicated, loving and caring: Wendell C. Gardner, Dawn M. Smith, Janet L. Gardner all of Kalamazoo; Jeffrey S. Gardner of South Bend, Indiana and Bradley (Kelita) Gardner of Ladera Ranch, California; 6 grandchildren: Erik L. Gardner (Rhonda) of Clinton Township, MI; Shawn L. Gardner of Columbus, Ohio ; Cameron Gardner, Kory Gardner, Evan Gardner and Megan Lynn Gardner all of Kalamazoo; 6 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; her sister- in-law, Shirley Casey Wheeler of Indianapolis; brother/cousin Michael Williams; goddaughter, Kimberly O’Bannon; special cousins, Ernestine Varnum, Esther Buchanan, Lois Owens and Olivia Neeley; special friend, Gwendolyn Johnson and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends. The family extends a special thanks to: Dr. Marcia Leipman and staff, Dorothy Westbrook, Pat Ford, Julianne Holdridge, Lerner Davis, Ruthie Walker, Pastor Lenzy Bell, Tiffany Gardner-Watkins, JoAnne Smith-Gardner, Bonnie Snow, Bob Carol and Connie Kyes-Myland; Galilee Hospitality and Mission Ministries, The Ecumenical Senior Center and the entire Galilee Baptist Church Family - your help and compassion during our mothers illness is greatly appreciated. You’ll never know how much that meant to her and all of us.

Mrs. Gaynell Casey

March 31, 1935 - November 16, 2014