Sandra Richards Gardner

Sandi was born October 26, 1942 to Joseph and Bessie Richards in New Bedford Mass. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grandparents Octave and Anna Richards, Grandparents Peter and Angelina Lucas, Six Uncles, Four Aunts, and One sister-in-law, Joan Johnson (Trip).

Sandi is survived by her husband of 60 years James E. Gardner, as well as Sister-law-Jean Todd (Richard) Spartanburg SC, Niece-in-Law Pam Stokes (Steve) Charlotte NC, cousins Greg Lucas (Betty) El Paso TX, Linda Buzzario Long Branch NJ, Steve Lucas Dartmouth MA., Barbara Lucas Orlando FL, Ann Woolley (Mark) SC, and other cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Sandi spent her early years with her mother in New Bedford and Newport News due to her father's assignment with Army. In the last two years of high school in Newport News, she represented her school as president of the FNA and the FHA. She also represented her school at a National FHA conference. She graduated at Newport News High School in 1961.

Sandi met Jim on December 24, 1960 on a blind date at an Episcopal Church in Hilton Village, Newport News. From there, they maintained a friendship while he was in school, and this led to a courtship and Marriage on August 29, 1965 in Ft. Lauderdale FL. After a honeymoon in the Bahamas, they made their home in Hampton VA.

Five years later they met two Jehovah's Witnesses and started having a bible study. Sandi and Jim were Baptized on July 6, 1971. Sandi continued her ministry, becoming a regular Pioneer on September 1, 1982 for 43 years until her death.

Sandi made a wonderful home for her husband and herself, yet her primary focus in her life was serving God Jehovah as well as always wanting to assist others in their time of need. Hospitality, entertaining friends and baking goods, sharing this with many, many people.

Sandi was an exemplary Christian Sister in the Coliseum, Buckroe, and Foxhill Congregations, and was an excellent role-model for other Christian wives, sisters, and young ones who knew her.

She had the privilege of representing her congregation in writing letters to the Officials of the Country Malawi during times of persecutions of Jehovah's Witnesses.

She also had the privilege of participation as the grandmother "Lois" in a live on-stage bible drama about the life of Timothy at a Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in 2005.

Sandi was very proud that she was a Faithful pioneer Servant of Jehovah God for many years, and also was known throughout many congregations as "The Bread Lady."

Memorial for Sandi Gardner

August 15, 2026 ==3:00 PM

Newport News Marriott at City Center

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