Mary Gardner

Canton, Mary Arterburn Gardner, 93, of McClure Creek Road, passed away peacefully at Silver Bluff Village on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Wife of the late Reverend William N. Gardner, the Gardners' became summer residents in the early 1950's and have been permanent residents since 1971 in the Lake Logan community of Haywood County. Mary and her late twin sister, Martha, were born on November 12, 1920 to Hazel and Burton Arterburn in Louisville, Kentucky. She often recalled cherished childhood memories spent with her beloved late twin sister she affectionately called "Diddy". As a young woman, Mary studied art and drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago and had a lifelong love of art, music, beauty and nature. Mary and Bill Gardner were married in her Kentucky childhood home in May of 1942. Following Bill's service as a navy chaplain in WWII, they settled in Hollywood, Florida and had four children, the late Gregory Hall Gardner, Reverend Simmons Sledge Gardner and his wife, Reverend Susan Andrews of New York, William Ward Gardner and wife, Susan, of Haywood County, and Gaye Gardner Moore and her husband, Alan Moore also of Haywood County. Before retiring to the mountains of Haywood County, Bill and Mary founded and faithfully served several Baptist churches and missions in South Florida. Mary's family has always treasured her compassion, grace, and her appreciation for natural beauty. She lived a life full of love, integrity and generosity. She was loyal to her family and was always more concerned about others than herself. One of her biggest joys was nurturing her six grandchildren, Nathan Gardner Andrews, of Virginia, Anna Moffatt Gardner Andrews of St. Louis, Travis Gardner and Susannah Gardner High, both of Haywood County, Austin Moore of Tampa, Florida and Brandi Moore of Haywood County. In addition, she has one great-grandchild, Declan Simmons Brennan of Virginia. She savored life surrounded by her family and leaves a legacy of having a positive impact to everyone's lives she touched. Although Mary embraced change throughout her 93 years, her life and principles were based on a constant foundation of Christian faith and stewardship. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on April 4, 2014 in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Waynesville with Reverend Dr. Susan Andrews, Reverend Dr. Jack Bishop, and Reverend Dr. Robert T. Prince officiating. A private inurnment will be held. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Waynesville, P.O. Box 690, Waynesville, NC 28786 or to Fines Creek Memorial Baptist Church, 1128 Max Patch Road, Clyde, NC 28721

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