Inell Wade Gardner was born in Isola, Mississippi on September 29, 1937 to the late Sam and Laura Hal-Wade "Joe", as she was affectionately called was one of eight children. She attended school at Kale Elementary and Gentry High School in Isola, MS. She accepted Christ at an early age.
After moving o Chicago, Illinois, Inell taught Early Childhood Development for 20 years. She earned her Certificate in ECD from Erikson Institute and her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Harold Washington College. She was also certified in Food Safety. She retired as Director of the School Age After School Program from the Washington Park YMCA, Chicago.
Inell was a strong believer in Church and Community. She attended South Park Baptist Church were she faithfully served on the Nurses Board. For many years, she served as the Precinct Captain for the 4th Ward. She loved her family and friends and always took time to help and encourage anyone she could. She always had a word to share to lift your spirit or a gentle word of correction when necessary.
She was at peace with God and ready to go home to be with Him. Her last words were "Enough, I'm done" and she transitioned from life to death at 10:15 a.m. on July 29, 2019.
Inell was preceded in death by two sons, James E. Lewis and Randy D. Dover; a grandson, Gregory F. Dover, Jr. and brothers, Sam Wade, Jr., Otis Wade, Johnnie Wade nd Joe Wade.
She leaves to cherish her memories and continue her legacy; her sister and brothers, Olivia Wilson, Melvin Wade (Lorine), Willie Wade (Mary, deceased), Johnnie Wade (preceded in death), Norman Wade (Zera), all residing in Mississippi. Her children, Shirley J. Ross (Rickey), Karen D. Sangster (Michael), Janice Y. Ray, Gregory Dover, Sr. (Franchon), Arnold L. Dover, Sr. (Debra), Jimmy D. Dover, Sr. (Lavinia), Chicago, IL and a special son, Johnnie (Buck L. Lewis, Jr. (Pam) of Tennessee.
Inell was fond of all her grandchildren, Jeremi J. Lewis, Sharon L. Clark, Rickey D. Ross, Jenelle L. Ross, Gregory Williams, Sr. (Candace) Devin r. Williams, Patrick A. Williams, Maranda Williams (Benji), Olivia C. Ray, Arielle N. Dover, Daniel C. Dover, Arneshia L. Dover, Arnold L. Dover, Jr. Adrianna I. Dover (Ryishie), Ashley a. Dover, Jimmy D. Dover, Jr. and Joshua J. Dover; great grandchildren, Danny, Demetrius, Danyella, Dominique, Randell, Jamara, Jada, Anastasia, Anais', Renard, Alloria, Ahjahnae, Armani, Arsean, Amiihah, Anijah, Amari, Brianna, Allissa, Arnold III, Arianna, Camira, Kamiyah, Anthony, eyon, Aiona, Alayah, Gregory L. Williams III, Alphonzo, Charles H. Smith III, K'yana, Arianna, Ayanna, Amari (preceded in death - Memory; great-great grandchild, Zayden.
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