ERNIE GARDNER, 36, affectionately known to family and friends as "Poncho" passed Tuesday, March 20, 2018 after a lenghtly stay in the hospital. ERNIE was born to Jimmie Gardner, and Bettye Scott, August 09, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois. He recieved his education at Walter Reed Elementary School and Dunbar High School. 

Poncho accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. He was skilled in the culinary arts; a trade he learned from his dad. poncho spent his career employed by various resturants around the Chicagoland area. He loved life and was a very caring person. Holidays and family gatherings will never be the same. Poncho was the life of the party. Whenever he walked into the room, he would start telling jokes, laughing, playing, and hugging; especially if anyone looked bored.He had a nickname for everyone. Poncho's favorite pastimes were cooking and bowling. He was a great bowler and traveled all over the globe attending bowling tournaments.

Poncho's grandfather, Jimmie Booker Bell, Sr. and daughter, Beautiful God's Gift Gardner, preceded him in death.

ERNIE is survived by his 11 children: Tatiana, Marquez, Sequon, Keanna, Ja'Myah, Anyia, Amia, Enyla, Jaydon, Jayshawn, and Janise and he leaves to charish his 2 sisters; Sharon and Diamond Scott, 4 brothers; Jonathan Blake, Jimetrius, Jimmie III, and Brandon, Grandparents; Earnestine Gardner and Betty Ann Bell, and a host of Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Friends.