Josie Bell Gardner

Josie Bell Gardner, affectionately known as "Tatoo," was born on June 5, 1956, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She departed this world unexpectedly on August 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and culinary artistry.

Josie's journey began with her education at Warren Central High School, followed by her graduation from Utica Junior College in 1979 with an Associate of Arts Degree Clothing and Textile. Although she studied the art of clothing and textiles, it was in the kitchen where her true passion flourished. Josie embarked on her professional career as a cook at Trace Haven Nursing Home, ultimately rising to the position of head cook. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to providing residents with nutritious and hearty meals, showcasing her talent and commitment to nourishing others.

Josie's love for her family was immense. She leaves behind cherished memories with her son, Jonathan Gardner; her beloved grandson, Jordan Kidd Gardner; and her daughter-in-law, Keisha Turner. Her mother, Ethel Gardner, and six devoted sisters—Dora (Nathaniel) Christian, Ethel Reese, Betty Huell, Pauline Sims, Robbie (Kenneth) Moore, and Barbara (Willie Pat) Taylor—also carry the warmth of her spirit. She is further survived by two brothers, Frank (Joyce) Gardner and James Gardner, who will always remember her kindness and strength. Two step-grandsons, Keyron Turner and Marquis Tenner, mourn her passing along with a host of extended family, beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends including Tracie Sims, Alton Sims, Curtis “Little Ray” Lloyd, Trina Lloyd, Gracie Thomas, Kenneth Jackson, and Xavier Jackson.

Josie’s departure is felt deeply by all who knew her, as the love she shared was boundless and her laughter infectious. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Allen Gardner, Sr.; her brother, Roosevelt Gardner; nephews Stanford Kidd Sims and Patrick Tyrone Taylor; niece Krystal Taylor; grand-niece Dorian Nash; and both maternal and paternal grandparents, Coniell Carson Mace Warfield, Stanford B. Mace, Josie B. Wilson Gardner, and Willie Gardner.

A visitation will be held in her honor on September 7, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at C J Williams Mortuary Center located at 1625 Monroe Street, Vicksburg, MS. A funeral service celebrating her life will follow on September 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM, concluding at 3:00 PM at the same location.

Josie Bell Gardner will be remembered not only for her culinary expertise but also for her incredible spirit, which touched the lives of many. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved her, forever reminding us of the importance of family, good food, and the joy of togetherness.