Dawn Bernadette Gardner
Dawn Bernadette Gardner, 70, the matriarch of our family, transitioned to glory surrounded by her children and family on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born on Oct. 28, 1952, in Clarksville, Pa., to the late Willie B. Price and Laura Mae Williams, Dawn was a surrogate mother to many and a faithful friend to all who knew her. “Bunny,” as she was so affectionally called, had a smile that was contagious. Her personality was endearing and her love for her family and friends was enduring. She retired from Jefferson Regional Hospital and later became a lunch mother with the Monessen School District. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Dawn was known best for her love of cooking and was an amazing dancer. Nothing gave her more joy and happiness than being a mother and grandmother and loving wife to her late husband, Charles “Milky” “Poppyseed” Gardner. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Patricia A. Michaux and Midge Craggette Mills; and one brother, Gilbert Craggette. Dawn leaves to cherish her memory one brother, Hosea “Vanessa” Craggette; Two daughters, Tiffinie (Anthony Dixon Sr.), and Ronnette D. Harrison; one son, Ronald D. (Tiffany) Harrison II; seven granddaughters, Shykila Tomlin, Passion Harrison, Monique Combs, Shalon Davis, Nattanni Harrison, Sa’Lauta Harrison and Algenia Williams; two grandsons, Anthony Dixon, Jr. and NeShaune Williams; four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 20 Brushton Lane, Charleroi, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at which time funeral services will begin with Pastor F. Diane Hobson giving the eulogy. Arrangements are entrusted to WILLIAM R. TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME, 645 McMahon Ave., Monessen, PA 15062, 724-684-4877, Trudy L. Taylor, director in charge.
