The late Audrey Gaynell Gardner Gladney was born May 8, 1918, in Monticello, Mississippi, the first of five children from the union of the late John and Johnnie Gardner. Of her siblings, she is preceded in death by a brother, Terry Gardner, and two sisters, Carolyn Marie Moore and Laverne Lindsay Stewart.

In 1922, the family moved to Greenwood, Mississippi, where Audrey accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the McKinney Chapel Baptist Church.

In 1935, Audrey moved with her family to Greenville, Mississippi, where she united with the Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church and graduated valedictorian from Coleman High School. After graduation, she started a business working from her home as a seamstress. Audrey was also an accomplished pianist and served as pianist for multiple churches.

On June 12, 1941, she married Fred Douglas Gladney, who preceded her in death. They moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they were united with the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. Audrey served her church as a member of the Chancellor choir, President of the Homemakers Guild, and in various other ministries. In an effort to further her education, she attended night school in Pittsburgh. She had an entrepreneurial spirit, and used that gift in a myriad of income producing endeavors. Years later, she worked at Joseph Horne Department Store and Allegheny County
Department of Court Records from which she retired.

Audrey was an expert seamstress and baker. A member of OASIS, she served as a Master Quilter. She loved to cook, sew and was an avid reader. She was the essence of humility and selflessness, always thinking of others rather than herself. She taught her children the meaning of love and sacrifice. Her devotion to the Lord and her family were unsurpassed, and her legacy of LOVE will live with us forever.

She is survived by one brother, John C. Gardner, Jr., her children, Gaynell Marie, Charles Douglas (Theresa), Frederic Douglas, Jr. (Julie), Jacqueline Marie, her grandchildren, Victoria Jeanine, Charles Flenard, Jonathan Douglas, Alexander Douglas, Courtney Sabra Marie, Frederick Douglas, III, Corinne, Kerrie, her great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special friends.

Friends received Friday, September 28th, 2018 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 271 Paulson Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Where Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 29th, 2018 at 10:00 am. Professional services entrusted to Coston Funeral Home, Inc. 412-661-5916 www.costonfuneralhome.com

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