Erika Miyuki Gardner

Erika Miyuki Motohashi Gardner, 39, of Newton passed away Monday, September 15, 2025 at Atrium Health Lincoln. Born November 15th, 1985 in Hawaii, she was the daughter of Takashi Motohashi and Joy Naomi Motohashi.

Some people are born with super powers that affect their life, whether good or bad, but Erika was lucky to have a few amazing ones that she shared with everyone. She had the ability to bring people together, but she also could effortlessly transform something scary into adventure. That power could be felt by everyone she met, making someone smile and laugh. That is probably why she was such an amazing preschool teacher. All the children she had the pleasure of teaching were her kids, and they were the jewels of her life. Erika always enjoyed cheering people on, helping her community, and being outside. In her 16 years at Abernethy Memorial she was there for every fundraiser, holiday function, or birthday. Fishing, football games, and traveling were some of her favorite hobbies she enjoyed doing with her family. From fishing with her cousins as a young child, to going to football games with her husband. Erika was always surrounded by loved ones and on a new adventure.

She is survived by her loving husband Doug Gardner, her parents, Takashi and Joy Motohashi, Grandmother Jane Oshiro; her sister, Julia Motohashi; her father in-law Toby Kiker, her step-children, Donald Jr, Michael and Traci Gardner; brother and sister in-law Paul and Tina Kiker, her grandchildren, Donivan, Devin, and MiraJane; her aunts and uncle, Janet Oshiro, John and Jeanna Oshiro.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 21st, from 2pm - 4pm in the Family Life Center at Abernethy Memorial Child Daycare Center located at 1220 N Shipp Ave, Newton, NC 28658

Memorials and donations may be made to Abernethy Memorial Child Daycare Center.

Jenkins Funeral Home staff is not involved in the memorial service at the church.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Gardner family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555