Sunrise July 18,1975                                                                                                                                   Sunset: February 12, 2026

Tiakisha Renee Gardner, lovingly known as “Kisha,” peacefully departed this life on February 12, 2026. She was born on July 18, 1975, in Flint, Michigan, at Hurley Hospital to Brenda Faye Gardner and Joseph William Willis, Jr.

Her Life of Growth and Music

Kisha was a proud graduate of Flint Central High School, Class of 1993. She believed deeply in lifelong learning. In the summer of 2025, she enrolled at Tarrant County College to pursue her degree in Cybersecurity IT. Kisha fully embraced this new chapter, she took great pride in her studies and formed genuine connections with the younger students around her. She loved studying, sharing meals, and uplifting others. To them, Kisha was truly the light of the room.

Music was her heartbeat. Kisha was truly the life of the party and everyone’s favorite DJ. She had a special gift for setting the perfect vibe, effortlessly blending Old School, New School, Neo-Soul, and Gospel. Her love and talent for music led her to an internship and later to roles as a radio DJ for 92.7 WDZZ and Flint’s Club 93.7 during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In Flint, her name and her sound were unforgettable.

Her Passions and Personality

Beyond music, Kisha was a true foodie and proudly called herself a food critic. She loved discovering new restaurants and trying exciting flavors. When she wasn’t cooking or exploring new tastes, she cheered on her favorite teams. A devoted Michigan sports fan, she faithfully supported the Detroit Lions, the Pistons, University of Michigan, and Michigan State.

A Legacy of Love

For the past 13 years, Kisha shared a beautiful life with the love of her life, Stacie Jones, affectionately known as “Sis n Law.” Their bond united their families into one large circle of love. Although she had no children of her own, Kisha proudly embraced her role as the “perfect TeeTee” and “Unctie.” Her nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment with them.

Cherishing Her Memory

Kisha’s loving memory will be forever treasured by her partner of 13 years, Stacie Jones of Arlington, Texas; her sister, Sharon Gardner of Fort Worth, Texas; her brothers, Joshua Brown of Flint, Michigan, and Joe Willis of North Richland Hills, Texas; her nephews Ronald (Ashley) Elliott, Devon Rencher of Birmingham, Alabama, Desmond Gardner, and Dominique Turner of Arlington, Texas; her special auntie Tella, her special brother and sister, Thomas and Thoris Howard; her special nieces, Imani Turner, Sydney Howard, and Qiana Jones; her special nephews, Thomas Howard, Jr. and Qadean Jones; special cousins, Charelle Calloway and Kevie Tennant-Young; best friends; Accrell King, Annette Canady, and Johnie Bailey; five great-nephews, three great-nieces; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Preceded in Death

Kisha was preceded in death by her parents, Brenda Faye Brown and Joseph William Willis, Jr.; her grandmothers Allie Mae, Lottie Elaine, and Sebie Lee; her grandfather’s Joseph Willis, Sr. and “Granddaddy” Tom Silmon; and many beloved relatives and friends, including most recently her great-nephew, Kyrie Tayion Hicks Rencher.

Tiakisha Gardner – My Forever Bae 

For thirteen beautiful years, God let me walk beside an angel. Her name was Tiakisha Gardner my partner in crime, my safe place, my peace in every storm… my bae. She was laughter on my hardest days, protection when I felt weak, comfort wrapped in a smile. She loved me with a love so pure, so unconditional, It felt like Heaven even while she was here. She gave joy freely, strength quietly, and stood beside me through it all. That was my bae real, loyal, and full of light. Though the Lord called her home, Her love still covers me. I feel her in the calm, in the memories, in the unshakable peace she left behind. Thirteen years of a love that time can’t erase and Heaven can’t take away. She is with the Lord now… but she will forever be my angel, my heart, my bae.

Acknowledgments:

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement.

May God Bless and Keep You!

Gardner Family

Repast:

Repast to follow at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Arlington (Blue Bonnet Room)

1721 Pleasant Pl, Arlington Texas 76015