December 29, 1955 — March 26, 2025 

 

Anita E. France was born in Cleveland Ohio on December 29, 1955, to the late Chelcie and Diane France. She was married for 12 years to Larry Gardner Sr. who preceded her in death in 2023. She earned an Associate degree in Human Service Management from the University of Phoenix.

Anita endured and survived several traumatic events in her life, including addiction for several years. Relief came when she attended Reality Therapy in 1993. There, she received counseling, support, and information on how to maintain sobriety and cope with life.

After some years of sobriety, she became interested in helping other women who had similar challenges. She got involved in an AA fellowship and started working through the steps of recovery. She became a sponsor, support, and a listening ear for many over the years. Anita humbly shared her story when asked and became a strong advocate for other women. Following her baptism in 2004 at the Word Church, she began to internalize scripture to nurture her spirit. This led to her well-known penchant for sharing positive quotes, verses, and affirmations daily with family and friends.

Anita’s life experiences and training were foundational to her career as a licensed chemical dependency counselor at Community Assessment and Treatment Services. She acquired considerable skill and expertise over the years during her 29 years at CAT, where she learned how to be effective at reaching women through group therapy, individual counseling, and case management.  She became adept at the use of nonverbal expression — her tone and facial expression — to confront unhealthy behaviors. She was known for her authentic, direct, loving and supportive approach to helping others, and earned numerous employee of the month and year awards.  She was recognized as a servant of excellence and received an award for working over and beyond for the women she served in treatment.

Anita relished preparing for Gratitude Night every November, creating an evening of food, fun, and fellowship for the ladies in treatment.  She would recruit people to donate goods, services and conduct workshops, training, and events for the ladies being treated at CATS.

Anita was a good listener and a great confidant; when you told her something, it stayed with her.  She gave warm hugs and had a pleasant smile. When she laughed, it was heartfelt.

After making apparent progress in battling multiple illnesses, Anita’s health took a turn, and on March 26, 2025, she took her last breath.

Survivors include her three children, Tabitha Howell-Singleton, Larry Gardner Jr., Charissa [Vitaliy] Turbin, Vitaliy Turbin; four grandchildren Jasmine, Xavier, Mariah, Jalen; and five “sisters from other mothers”, Danita Scott, Betty Weaver, Barbara Williams, Doretha Mitchell, and Ruth Whipple.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 4p at Calhoun Funeral Home, 23000 Rockside Rd [44146].The family will receive friends at the church one-half hour prior to the service. Visitation hours at the funeral home are Friday, April 11, from 4p-8p.

• • •• • •