Nedra Ann Gardner, lovingly known as “Nene” was born August 19, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated there from Melrose HS in 1954. Nedra moved to Los Angeles, California where she enrolled and attended USC. She became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and studied Social Work. She worked in the Department of Social Services. She worked her way up to District Deputy Director and retired after 36 years of service.
Nedra was all about community service. In the late 1970’s, she was a member of Girlfriends which was a charity organization committed to hosting fundraisers. Girlfriends birthed the Los Angeles Chapter of Justice Unity Generosity Services (J.U.G.S.) Incorporated of which Nedra was a founding member.
J.U.G.S Incorporated was very important and dear to Nedra. She, along with her club members, established the club’s Scholarship Program in 1988 which provided 4-year college scholarships to young men and women in quest of higher education. She held many positions in the chapter but her favorite was Scholarship Chairperson.
Nedra was known to be a wonderful mother, grandmother, granny, aunt, sister and friend. With all her style and poise, she will be remembered for giving her all to help others, for her big hair and being well versed in general especially matters of social justice.
