I had a million thoughts running around in my head. I cannot pick just one. She had the brightest smile. Everyone says what a “sweet lady” my mom was. She had a love of the beach. When we were kids, she would come home from work and say, “Come on, we are going!” An hour or two later, we were at the shore. Back then it was free to walk on the sand and swim in the water. We would sleep in the car and eat pizza and play some more on the sandy shore the next day.
As we got older the impromptu trips did not happen as often, but she still tried the best she could to make life fun. I remember one birthday, Nicole’s 14th birthday, we were teaching Mom how to do some popular (at the time) dances. It was so much fun! Our friends always thought our mom was the best. They even called her “Mom” and preferred hanging at our house rather than going anywhere else.
Momma loved family. No matter what arguments or what not, she always loved our ever-growing family. Us sisters gave Momma 9 grandchildren by age 46 and she loved every second of it! Many times she stated that she wished she got to see more of them and I know she was happy to meet her great-grandson on her last day.
It was not always an easy life with Mom, we had our struggles. She taught me to be the strong woman I am today. I know how to care for myself and how to take care of others because of the way she raised me. Mom brought me up in church and although she may have fell away from church near the end, I believe her heart was still with our Lord and Saviour and she is safely in His arms now. I was not ready for Momma to go just yet but God’s plans are always bigger than our plans and so I accept He has something for me to learn from this experience. I must keep my heart open to accept what it is He wants me to understand. Momma no longer hurts and rest in peace in God’s loving arms.
Wendy Ann Gardner, age 62, passed away on Saturday ~ May 18, 2019 at the Brian Center in Gastonia, North Carolina.
A Celebration of Life Service and receiving of guests to be held from 1:00 PM ~ 4:00 PM on
Sunday ~ May 26 at OneLife Church 210 North Aspen Street Lincolnton, North Carolina 28092.
Online condolences and fond memories may be shared on Wendy's guestbook at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com
Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is compassionately serving the family of Wendy Ann Gardner.
