Rev. Sheldon George Gardner

August 14, 1968 - February 5, 2021

Rev. Sheldon George Gardner, 52, of Chesterfield, Virginia, was called home to rest to be with the Lord on Friday, February 5, 2021. Sheldon was born August 14, 1968 in Shreveport, Louisiana to George Gardner and Eula Gardner. Sheldon accepted his calling to the ministry in November 2006. He was licensed to the Gospel Ministry in December 2010 and ordained in June 2015. He was an Associate Minister at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg, Virginia, under the Pastoral Leadership of Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, where he served as the Youth Pastor. As a Servant Leader and Associate Minister, Sheldon brought all activities in line with the vision of his calling and collaborated them with all the ministries and activities of the church involving the children and the youth to include: Youth Zone, Christian Education, Dance and Music. He loved to exercise authority, accepting responsibility, Christian love and leadership. These activities included, but were not limited to evangelical, discipleship, spiritual development and outreach. Sheldon graduated from Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport, Louisiana with the Class of 1986. Upon graduating high school, he went on to matriculate and further his education at Central Texas College to earn an Associate of Applied Science along with a Certificate in Petroleum Supply Technology, Christian Bible College & Seminary to earn a Bachelor of Religious Education, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology - Evans-Smith Leadership Training Institute to obtain Certificates in Religious Studies and Proclamation Preparation, Virginia Union University - Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology to earn a Master of Arts in Christian Education and a Master of Divinity. Sheldon retired from the U.S. Army in 2008, after serving 20 years, 5 months and 17 days of active Army service. Sheldon worked several jobs to include: Life Forming Growth Coach at Regents University, Cubic Solutions, Inc., Former Logistics Instructor at U.S. Department of Defense, Former Basic Officer Leaders Course Instructor at Army Logistics University and Product Manager at Army Training Information System. Sheldon was a member of the Nu Omicron Lamba Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc where he served as Project Alpha Co-Chair. Sheldon enjoyed spending time with his family and going to social events with the love of his life, Trina. He also enjoyed cooking, doing yardwork, reading and watching movies. Sheldon was loved by so many, and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Sheldon leaves to cherish his fond and precious memories: a loving and devoted wife of 21 years, LaTrina A. Gardner of Chesterfield, VA; four children, Briana Gardner, Bryson Gardner (Alyssa), Jalen Gardner and Jaidon Gardner; loving parents, George Gardner and Eula Gardner; loving sister, Dr. Traci Gardner-Petteway (Leroy); three grandchildren, Avery, Alexander and Soleil Gardner; mother-in-love, Barbara Oliver; father-in-love, Marvin L. Jones Sr. (Harriette); two brothers-in-love, Marvin L. Jones, Jr. (Emma) and Torik Banks (Demetra); one sister-in-love, Trezlen Smith; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and devoted friends. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax St., Petersburg, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor. Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, Pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA will eulogize and Rev. Jameson McLaughlin, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Sussex, VA will officiate. Interment will be at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Ameila, Ameila, VA. The service will be live streamed. Public viewing will be Friday, February 26, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. A facial covering will be required while attending all services and viewings, along with limited seating for social distancing.