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FRANKLIN – Mrs. Mary Howell Gardner peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 11, 2021. “Elaine” was born on Oct. 27, 1920 in Holland. She was the daughter of William and Clara Mae Howell. She was the sixth child out of seven very close knit siblings. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 56 years, Henry Gardner; her sister and brothers.

Elaine graduated from Holland High School and worked for C&P Telephone Company during World War II. After marrying Henry, Elaine spent most of her years raising her family in Franklin, where she was an active member of Hunterdale Christian Church. In May of 2017, she moved to Richmond to be closer to family where she attended Good News Free Will Baptist Church.

Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of children: Sheila Gardner Smith (Ken), Linda Gardner Smart (Larry, deceased); her nine grandchildren, Colonel Robert Wesley Rainey (Denice), Heather Smith Worsham (Mark), Shannon Rainey Ukrop (Rob), Natalie Smart Stone (Larry), Anna Smith Lange (John), Allison Rose Smith (Terry), Kimberly Smart Singleton (Andrew), Janet Smith Postlewaite (Jeff) and Sarah Smart Fisher (Samuel); her 23 great-grandchildren, Ashton Rainey, Addison Rainey, Bryce Rainey, Sarah Adcock, Ben Worsham, Emily Worsham, David Worsham, Peyton Garst, Presley Garst, Christian Lewis, Matthew Lewis, Cooper Stone, Evan Sobczak, Madeleine Sobczak, Vivian Sobczak, Katie Lange, Grace Smith, Heidi Singleton, Riley Singleton, Samantha Postlewaite, Jack Postlewaite, Riley Postlewaite, Roman Fisher and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, followed by a celebration of life at 3 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home Chapel in Franklin. The Rev. Glen Johnson will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Southampton Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brandermill Woods, Amada Senior Care, Ascend Hospice and Riverside Convalescent Center for the care and support they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Ministries, 2307 Hull Street, Richmond, Va. 23224.

wrightfuneralhome.org