In December 2025, Nashville celebrated one of its prominent self-made businessmen, Kossie Gardner Sr., with a historical marker at the first location of his funeral home at 1511 Jefferson Street. The marker recognizes his work as a successful funeral home owner and later the creation of the Hills of Calvary Cemetery. His significance as a community leader and real estate developer was also evident throughout the city. Mr. Gardner would create one of the first African American suburban communities in Nashville – the “Gold Coast” located off Ashland City Hwy. This was during a time in the 1950s when home ownership was not attainable for African Americans.
During the unveiling ceremony, many gathered to commemorate the moment. Many of his family were present, including Gardner’s granddaughter Keisha Gardner, who still operates her family’s cemetery business and his grandson, Kossie Gardner III. There was even one of Mr. Gardner’s former employees, Marcus Bagwell shared that he worked for him in the funeral business when he was 15 years old. Seeing all of the joy, pride, and family love was one of the best moments during the unveiling. Mr. Gardner was also honored in 2020 with a park in his name across the street from his business site – Kossie Gardner Sr. Park.
“The historical marker honoring my grandfather, Kossie Gardner Sr., represents more than an individual achievement; it reflects a legacy of perseverance, service, and commitment to community. It is deeply meaningful to see his contributions recognized in a way that will educate and inspire future generations, while also preserving an important piece of Nashville’s history,” shares his grandson, Kossie Gardner III.
The Kossie Gardner Sr. marker is #283. The historical marker program was established in 1967 to commemorate significant people, places, and events in the city’s past. According to the Metropolitan Historical Commission’s website, the marker program is now one of the Historical Commission’s longest-running and most successful programs.
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