Phyllis Joy Gardiner

1926 ∼ 2015

Phyllis Joy Gardiner, 89, of Port Neches, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 peacefully in her home. Those who knew and loved her called her Joy. She was born on April 12, 1926, in Nutley, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Gardiner, parents, Ross Young and Ruth MacKay Young, a brother, Jack Young, and a twin sister, Marilyn Young. She lived in Port Neches with her husband, Harry, since 1948, and she was his devoted wife for 70 years. Joy is survived by three daughters, Marilyn Gardiner Uptmor and husband, Max, Sherry Varner and husband, David, and Leslie Symmonds and husband, Jon; sister-in-law, Glenna Grimmer and husband, George; nine grandchildren, Aaron Varner, Valerie Mourot and husband, Jordan, Ross Varner, Michael Varner, Colin Varner, Heather Imhoff, Holly Imhoff, Devin Symmonds, and Dustin Symmonds; five great-grandchildren, Jake Mourot, Everett Mourot, London Symmonds, Josie Symmonds, and Cambria Symmonds; and nephews and nieces. Joy was a devoted homemaker and mother. She was elected president of the class in secondary school. She worked as a secretary at Gulf Oil Company when they were first married and was chosen as their "Parade Queen." She was also once chosen as Rotary Club's Port Neches Citizen of the Month. Joy was active in the Line Steppers as a dancer and instructor. This group performed for various organizations and nursing homes. She loved animals and often adopted strays. She and Harry were members of the First United Methodist Church for 60 years. Joy was an accomplished artist who loved drawing portraits. Several of her sketches, which she drew for her daughter when her daughter was in the PN-G Indianettes, have been used as the logo on most of the Indianette T-shirts, uniforms, bags, etc., since the 1970's. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 24, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Port Neches with Dr. Wesley Welborn officiating under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home Port Neches. The family greatly thanks all the medical personnel and the caregivers who provided Joy with such special care. Friends wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to the Alzheimer's Association, 700 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77701, (409)833-1613; and/or the Humane Society-Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Ave, Beaumont, TX 77705, (409)833-0504.

Condolences

Levingston Funeral Home November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Phyllis Joy Gardiner August 4, 2020
Phyllis Joy Gardiner
Anonymous December 25, 2015
Leslie So many memories of your par. entsand you.So sorry for your loss. Liz Williams. Pompano Club
Anonymous December 24, 2015
Our prayers for your family on the loss of your mom. We know how hard it is, especially at this time of the year. May the peace of the Lord be with you.
Anonymous December 24, 2015
So sorry for your loss Leslie. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. LOVE, Laura
Anonymous December 24, 2015
Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss! I will keep you and your family in my prayers!
Anonymous December 24, 2015
So sorry for your loss Leslie.
Anonymous December 23, 2015
Joy - You were such a good influence over me. I will always remember your kind words of encouragement. Love you always, Goldie (aka...Tricky) Prayers to all
Anonymous December 23, 2015
My husband, Peter Valdez and I were longtime friends of Harry and Joy. We have many happy memories of enjoying our memberships at the Pompano Club. For over 20 years we celebrated every occasion together. We moved from Groves to Jasper to get closer to nature for our retirement. Joy was a beautiful lady whom we will all miss. Our condolence to her lovely family, especially Leslie who keeps us all informed. Joanna and Pete