Donna Falkenberry Gardner, 65, of Huntsville, passed away Sunday. She was born in Shreveport, LA, but grew up in Huntsville. Donna attended J.O. Johnson High School where she met her high school sweetheart, TJ. They married shortly after graduation.
Donna and TJ spent 13 years traveling while TJ was active in the US Air Force, spending two tours in Alaska and one in South Dakota. While in South Dakota, she met Grandfather Fools Crow, and was given her native nickname, Ghost Bear. She was proud of her native American heritage.
She enjoyed riding motorcycles, visiting the Smokies, loved riding in her Jeep, and connecting with animals and nature.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, TJ Gardner; her aunt, Margene Hudson; and many cousins. She also leaves behind a loyal and protective service dog named Lennox Blue. He provided her great comfort. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy Falkenberry and Loretta Joiner Falkenberry, and grandmother, “Nannie”.
Services are private.
