Marilyn Gardner

Marilyn Jarene Gardner was born on February 18, 1953 in Fort Worth, Texas, to her parents Jarriet Bluitt and Anna Pearl Davis Bluitt. Marilyn, or Rene as the family called her was the youngest of the siblings Herbert Bluitt and Anita Bluitt. The Bluitt family was raised in the tight-knit community of Como. Marilyn graduated from Como High School in 1971, where she developed lifelong friendships and a love for her community. 

Marilyn went on to attend Texas Woman's University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 1975, embarking on a career that would touch countless lives. After Graduation Marilyn married Ronald Gardner and moved to Arlington in 1977. Marilyn and Ronald raised two children Karma Gardner-Jones and Karlyn Murry. Together Marilyn and Ronald helped spoil their grandchildren Kylan Gardner, Kadence Murry, Konlan Gardner, 8, and Karma Jones. 

Marilyn was a member of Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. Where she was a deaconess and served, witnessed, and taught Sunday school. She loved working with her Sunday School class and loved even more working in the nursery during vacation bible school in the summer. Marilyn sung in the church choir and dedicated herself in the workings of the church. 

For 36 years, Marilyn dedicated herself to teaching in the Fort Worth Independent School District, impacting the lives of her students with her passion, patience, and unwavering commitment to their success. Throughout her career, she was known for her nurturing spirit and her ability to inspire her students to strive for excellence, both inside and outside the classroom.

As an Educator Marilyn loved to serve and help children, she showed her compassion by becoming a member of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, then later Chartering the Epsilon Pi Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa in Arlington. For 30 years Marilyn ran the Kuddos youth chapter and help with the Zions once her daughters became members of the youth organization. She loved cooking for the boys and scrapbooking their time together. 

Marilyn’s life was defined by love, kindness, and a deep sense of service to others. Whether through her work as an educator, her involvement in her church, or the countless small acts of generosity she performed every day, Marilyn always put others first. She was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend, a loving family member, and a constant source of support for everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

After retiring from teaching, Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her family, always offering a listening ear and words of wisdom. Her warmth, grace, and quiet strength will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Marilyn’s passing leaves a deep void, but her legacy of kindness, compassion, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the honor of being touched by her life.

Proceeded in death: Dad: Jarriet Bluitt (1986) Mom: Ana Peral Bluitt (1979) Brother: Herbert Bluitt (2003) Sister: Anita Bluitt (2002)

Marilyn Gardner is survived by: Husband: Ronald Gardner. Daughters: Karma Gardner-Jones and husband Bernard Jones, Karlyn Murry and husband Christopher Murry. Grandchildren: Kylan Gardner, Kadence Murry, Konlan Gardner and Karma Jones. Sister-in-law: Peggy Bluitt. Nieces: Tanyika Woodberry and husband Samuel Woodberry Jr., Kimbra Bluitt-Frison and her husband Karl Frison. Nephew: Jarriet Bluitt and his wife Ria Bluitt. Great nieces: Shauntrice Woodberry, Samiel Woodberry, D’Kayla Cuthertson, Saniya Woodberry, Sierra Woodberry, Kamryn Bluitt, and Shanice Woodberry. Great Nephews: D’Micah Cuthertson, Favion Washington, Samuel Woodberry III and Jamieson Herbert Bluitt. Great-Great Nieces: Akira Woodberry, and Devonee Cuthbertson. She leaves behind the loving legacy of many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will cherish her memory and the impact she had on their lives.