Lydia Gardner

1944 - 2025

Lydia (Worsley) Gardner Elizabeth City - Lydia Worsley Gardner, age 81, departed this life on Monday, June 30, 2025. A graduate of Women's College (now UNCG), she taught in the Elizabeth City School system, as well as the Albemarle Academy. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and enjoyed many opportunities to grow in Christ during her life on Earth. She treasured activities with family and friends and enjoyed helping others through various organizations.

She was quite proud to serve as First Lady of Elizabeth City, where she spearheaded the navy-blue painting of the Elizabeth City Water Tower. As a member of the Elizabeth City Downtown Association, she was proud of her participation in the Waterfront Dome Project. Her vision made this project a reality. While she took great pride in her community work, her real pride and joy was her loving family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rick Gardner, the love of her life. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Troy Thomas and Sandra Boyd, Kelly and Kent Clark, and Claudia Boyd; her beloved grandchildren, Bladen and Kylie Boyd, Gavin and Brody Clark, and Bo, Lydia and Lucy Mitchell; her sister, Becky Turnage; nephew, Lee and wife, Elizabeth Turnage; and her stepchildren and their spouses, Wayne and Catherine Gardner, Cathy and Charlie Arnold, and Andrea and Brian Miller.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Twiford Memorial Chapel. The family will receive visitors in the lobby following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 200 S. McMorrine Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, or the charity of one's choice.

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Gardner Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.