Nettie Goodman Gardner
June 1, 1953 - February 20, 2026

Nettie Gardner was a radiant soul whose laughter, generosity, and love left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Born on June 1, 1953, in Monticello, Arkansas, she was the beloved daughter of the late Otis and Leona Goodman. Nettie peacefully transitioned on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Baptist Medical Center in Monticello, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving family.

Nettie was truly the life of the party and a true social butterfly. She loved family gatherings, especially family reunions, where her joy and humor could shine brightest. Known for her giving spirit, Nettie was always offering something to someone - whether it was a thoughtful gift, a helping hand, or her time. If anyone was in need, Nettie was ready to help without hesitation.
She enjoyed going out to eat, with Western Sizzlin being her favorite spot, but she loved home-cooked meals just as much. Her favorite foods were fried chicken, sweet potatoes, brown beans, and cornbread - with cornbread at every meal, literally. Sharing a good meal, whether at a restaurant or at home, was one of Nettie's simple joys.

Nettie cherished visiting her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and staying connected with her brothers and sisters through frequent phone calls and shared time. She also loved spending time with some of her special friends: Linda Goodman-Sheets, Joann Williams, Linda K. Simpson, Ann King, Helen Bassett and her classmates from the Class of 71 laughing, visiting, and enjoying life together. And of course, no visit was complete without stopping by Onnie's She Shed Store, a place Nettie truly enjoyed. Nettie also enjoyed spending a lot of time with her special son-in-love, Josh Roston, who affectionately called her ''Moma''. Nettie always spoke about how Josh always showed up and supported her - through family vacations, holiday gatherings, going out to eat and just simple chats on the back porch or a phone call just checking on her.

A devoted watcher of the news - especially the weather - Nettie took it upon herself to keep everyone informed. If a storm was in the forecast, she would call half the town to make sure everyone knew and was prepared. Nettie enjoyed sipping her morning cup of coffee, reading the newspaper, watching CNN, Fox News, Channel 7, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud-Steve Harvery version and going to Saturday morning yard sales. She took pride in ironing and ironed for numerous people and enjoyed helping others host holiday parties & gatherings. She was always happy to be of service.

Nettie had a heart for people - especially those she saw walking. If Nettie spotted someone on the side of the road, she was likely to stop to give them a ride, no matter where they were headed. And then there was Walmart. Nettie loved going to Walmart, but she preferred the long, scenic route to avoid traffic. Traffic made her nervous, so if you had a little free time, she would ask you to drive her - because in Nettie's world, a Walmart trip should always be calm and unrushed.
A woman of strong faith, Nettie was a member of Kennedy Boulevard Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Brother Charlie Vincent. She loved worshipping the Lord and attended special programs at other churches to show her love and respect for the broader faith community. Nettie believed deeply in honoring others, and this was reflected in her commitment to attending funerals - she went to many, simply because she knew everyone and wanted to share her love for others.

Nettie was a hardworking and devoted employee throughout her life. She was employed with Advantages for 8 years as a DSP-Direct Support Professional, where she truly loved taking care of her clients and formed meaningful bonds with those she served. Prior to that, she had a long and dedicated career with Burlington Industries, working for over 15+ years in the spinning department. In addition to her other employment, Nettie also worked for many, many years as a domestic worker. She cleaned homes for numerous people throughout the community, building lasting relationships through her honesty, dependability, and pride in her work. Nettie valued education and was proud to have attended both Drew High School and Monticello High School. She carried great pride in her graduating class of 1971, a distinction she held close to her heart.

Nettie's word was her bond - if she said she was going somewhere or doing something, she stood firmly on it. She was known for her quick wit and sense of humor, always keeping those around her laughing. She was a good dancer, loved listening to music of all genres, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy life.

Nettie leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Marshall Goodman (Pam), Valerie Deshazer (Josh), and Kimberlee Daniel (Jonathan); her grandchildren: Denard Shaw, Breshonna Ware, Treyvon Daniels, DeVantre Daniels Sr., Stacy Harris, Braylon McCoy, YaNiah McCoy, Tommyah Deshazer, Brooklyn Johnson, Windell Johnson, Jr., and Jaize Roston; her great grandchildren: Elliya Daniels, DeVantre Daniels, Jr. Ivyana Daniels, Major Daniels, Treyzn Daniels, Parker Harris, Amari Harris, Skye Harris, Khobi Harris; her siblings: Leola Scoggins of Locust Grove, GA; Margaret Ridgell, Mary Washington (LC), Bettye Gragg (Larry),Otis James Goodman, Hazel James, Jerry Goodman (Martha) Sandra Witherspoon, all of Monticello, AR; along with many loving nieces, nephews, friends, classmates, neighbors, and those whose lives she touched through her work and service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons: Marvin McCoy and Michael McCoy; and her siblings: James Goodman, Gladys Binns, and Queen Green.

Though Nettie Gardner will be deeply missed, her legacy of laughter, faith, hard work, generosity, and unconditional love for people will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. There will be a wake from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Campground Cemetery in Monticello, Arkansas.