Susie Gardner

Susie Eleanor Gardner, 92, of Lynchburg Virginia peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior early Saturday morning on October 10, 2026. Sue was born at home in Tampa, Florida on Friday, October 5, 1934, to Solon and Sarah Floyd Bates. For just shy of 69 years, she was married to the love of her life Edward Lee Gardner who pre-deceased her in 2021.

Sue graduated from Hillsborough High School, Tampa, Florida in 1952, followed by graduation in 1953 from the Davis Institute of Medical Assistants, Miami, Florida. While waiting at the Miami airport for her flight home, she met a handsome Navy Corpsman and married him three months later on January 2, 1953, at the home of Rev. J. Earl Tharp. Sue dedicated her life to serving her Lord, her husband, her children, and her family that she loved deeply. During her many years as a Pastor’s wife, she authored and taught two books: Thilipsis: the Growth Process and Home: the Faith Workshop. It was her passion to teach what God taught her, to speak the name of Jesus, to tell everyone of His sacrifice, of His forgiveness and gift of grace to anyone who acknowledges they are a sinner and accepts His free gift of salvation.

Sue is survived by three of her four children, Karen Ann Gardner Roberts (Michael), Cherie Lee Gardner Pacheco, and Bonnie Jo Gardner Coulter (Kevin); nine Grandchildren, Christine Suezette Fuqua Lasher (Chris), Machele Rozette Fuqua Fallaw (Rick), Kevin Michael Fuqua (Amanda), Jeremy Lee Gardner (Dawn), Michael Ray Gardner, Edward Lee Gardner, Anthony Jason Pacheco (Cristen), Angela Marie Pacheco Rizer (Justin), Cassie Marie Churchfield Mills (Scott); sixteen Great Grandchildren, seven Great Great Grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is pre-deceased by her husband Edward Lee Gardner, her son Darrel Ray Gardner (Linda), her parents, and her siblings.

A Memorial Service will be held on 11:00 am on Saturday November 7, 2026, at Forest Baptist Church, 1313 Two Church Lane, Forest, VA 24551

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her beloved church Forest Baptist Church, Building Fund, POBox 478, Forest, VA 24551.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.