Kathryn L. Gardner

Tupelo - Kathryn Leona Gardner, 92, died Friday, April 3, 2009, at The North Mississippi Medical Center after an extended illness. A native of Little Rock, Ark. she was born May 25, 1916 to A.C. and Nell Collins. She married Woody Gardner August 14, 1932. They moved to Tupelo in 1951, to open a new business, Tupelo Refrigeration Co. which later became Gardner-Watson, Inc. She served as the companys bookkeeper for many years. After retirement she and her husband spending time at their second home on Lake Okeechobee, Florida. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 58 years and belonged to the Annie Mae Weaver Sunday School Class and the Senior Friends.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Tupelo Memorial Park with Rev. David Eldridge officiating. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include one daughter, Peggy Gardner Watson and husband, Charlie, of Tupelo; one son, Gene Gardner and wife, Donna, of Highland, Tex., six grandchildren, Kirk Gardner, Charles Watson, Lisa Gardner Gilbride, Woody Watson and wife, Traci, Kathy Brashears and husband, Austin, and Ryan Gardner and wife, Leslie; nine great-grandchildren, Brittany and Woody Watson,II, Mallori and Kaylie Watson, Trey and Meg Brashears, Victoria Gardner, and Bradley and Jessica Gardner; and a special friend, Willodean Nelms.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 70 years, Woody Gardner; and a brother, Aurthor Collins and wife, Marion; and special friends James and Elizabeth Bain

Pallbearers will be Bradley Gardner, Kirk Gardner, Woody Watson, Ryan Gardner, Austin Brashears, and Charles Watson, II.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 1008, Tupelo, MS 38802; The Orchard, 1379 N. Coley Rd., Tupelo MS 38801; or The Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo MS 38803.