Martha Louise Gardner

Martha Louise Gardner, 91, of Autumn Terrace, Perry, Georgia died Monday, May 13, 2013. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 1:00PM at Rose Hill Cemetery. The Reverend Bob Halstead, longtime family friend, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Bible Broadcasting Network, P. O. Box 7300, Charlotte, North Carolina 28241 or to the donor's local church or favorite charity. Mrs. Gardner was the youngest of four daughters of Pearl and George Algenon Cochran. She was predeceased by her husband, the Reverend Richard C Gardner, Sr., a Southern Baptist minister. Mrs. Gardner was a tennis champion, a beauty queen and a watercolor artist. She was a very unique and creative person. Mrs. Gardner held many leadership positions in the church, including Sunday School and BTU teacher, president of WMU and leader of numerous youth activities, including GA's and RA's. Mrs. Gardner is survived by her son, Richard C Gardner, Jr. (Betty Sue) of Hinesville, Georgia; daughter, Martha Gardner Roland (Leif) of Kennesaw, Georgia; grandchildren, Christa Knowles (Sean) and Rashelle Benton (Dan) of Hawkinsville, Georgia and Richard Cochran Gardner of Hinesville; great-grandchildren, Marena Knowles, Carleigh Knowles, Danielle Benton and Sheldan Benton. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.