Bonnie Gardner

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Funeral services for Mrs. Marland Yvonne "Bonnie" Gardner, age 91 will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Rev. Jonathan Young will officiate. Interment will follow in the Algood Heritage Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Bonnie passed away at her residence on Saturday November 15, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on October 19, 1934, in Livingston, Tennessee, Bonnie’s life was an extraordinary tapestry woven with the threads of love, laughter, and resilience.

After moving to Detroit in 1966, Bonnie dedicated herself to a career that would see her touch many lives. She worked diligently at the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital from 1970 until 1987. Following her career as a medical transcriptionist, she was blessed to manage two buildings of Hendrie Apartments, Inc. for twenty years. Her work ethic was extraordinary, but it was her warm, infectious smile that showcased her deep dimples, creating an atmosphere of joy wherever she went.

Bonnie's personality was a vibrant blend of pizzazz and warmth-she was truly a pistol, known for her wonderful sense of humor and caring nature. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she embodied the spirit of community and kinship. Her unwavering faith was reflected in her love for her church families. While in Michigan, she was an active member of the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, and after moving back to Cookeville in 2012, she engaged wholeheartedly with the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, nurse, and usher under Revs. Earl Dirkson and Jonathan Young.

Her proudest accomplishments were her family, who were the light of her life. She leaves behind her cherished daughter, Jimmie Irene Allen West; her loving son, Clarence Eugene (Wanda) Allen; eight adoring grandchildren, Clarice Yvonne Kingston, Jaketa Rebecca Allen-Steward, Jason Allen Griffin, Carmen Laura Amuzu, Clarence Eugene Allen, Jr., Christopher Jones, Samantha Nicole West, and Tiffany Marie Allen; along with 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Bonnie is also survived by her special friend and caretaker, Evelyn Walker, whose support and companionship were invaluable.

Bonnie is reunited with her parents, William Franklin and Mattie Steward; her beloved son, Joe Willis Allen; and twelve siblings, Earl Ray Cartwright, Les Cartwright, Clarence William West, Charles West, Ella Mae West, David Eugene Cartwright, James Carl Cartwright, Ernest Stewart Cartwright, William Franklin Cartwright, Jack Cartwright and Albert Ray Cartwright. She is also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Lloyd Douglas West.

Bonnie Gardner’s vibrant legacy, rich with memories of kindness, laughter, and boundless love will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate to have known her. Her light will continue to shine through the hearts of her family and friends, reminding us to embrace life with joy, humor, and unwavering faith.

Ernest Cartwright, Patrick Tubbs, Jerry Hayes, Cayden Countryman, Earl Scott Dickerson and Clarence Eugene Allen Jr. will serve as pallbearers.

Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com