Mrs. Kendra Laurain Lykins Gardner

Kendra Laurain (nee Lykins) Gardner answered God's call on Thursday September 7th at her home in New Albany, MS. Kendra was born on August 28, 1978, to Arnold Lykins and Rowena "Cookie" Lykins (nee Krull) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. She attended East Central High School in St. Leon, IN. She was united in holy matrimony to Christopher L. Gardner on August 5, 2000. Kendra constantly worked on her faith and walk with Jesus; she was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Faulkner, MS. She worked various jobs during her life eventually finding her most enjoyment in the food industry as a “chef”. She really enjoyed cooking and the joy and comfort that food could bring to a gathering of friends and family. Kendra was most proud of her chicken and dressing which she had mastered. In addition to her joy of cooking, Kendra enjoyed listening to music and felt most at peace with good music in the air. Though she liked all types of music, her favorites were 90’s R&B. Kendra was a kind soul who loved spending time and making memories with her family especially her children and most recently her grandchildren. Her two special prayers were “Now I lay me down to sleep” and the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Kendra leaves to cherish her memories her Husband Christopher Lynn Gardner of New Albany, MS; three daughters Rowena Shyanne Triplett, Shatia Christine Gardner, and Shatara Mae Gardner all of New Albany, MS; two sons Christopher Nicholas Gardner of New Albany, MS, and Jeremiah William Gardner, I (Sheccid) of Yulee, FL; her parents Arnold Lykins and stepmother Carol of Sunman, IN and Rowena "Cookie" Day and stepfather Bill of Avon, FL; four sisters Tammy Lorenzo of Tampa, FL, Kim (Steve) Brumley of St. Leon, IN, Jamie (Kevin) Willis of Berry, KY, and Melissa Brown (Dorian) of Atlanta, GA; one brother Justin Lykins of Sunman, IN. Three grandchildren Quadir Kashon Foote, Jeremiah William Gardner, II, and Rosalie Grace Gardner; her mother and father in-law and four brothers-in-law; a host of nieces and nephews, and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by one brother Joe Lykins. Kendra's beautiful smile, kind words, food and desire to make memories of the time she spent will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

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Mrs. Kendra Laurain Lykins Gardner

August 28, 1978 - September 7, 2023