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BORN
1936
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
1130 N. Winstead Ave
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Kay Gardner Obituary
July 6, 1936 - July 25, 2024
Kay (Scott) Gardner passed away on the 25th of July 2024. Born in Dobson, NC, on the 6th of July 1936, she was one of 11 children born to the late Arvil Kester Scott and Nora Samuels Scott. Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Shockley "Happy" Dewitt Gardner, Jr.; sisters, Imogene Scott, Lois Scott Nixon, Oleen Scott Haymore and Viva Scott Martin; and five brothers, Rex Scott, Dean Scott, Graham Scott, Jackie Scott and Clifford Scott.
Upon graduating from Western Carolina in Cullowhee, NC, Kay moved to Virginia and began a successful career in hotel management. Kay served as Vice President and General Manager of Commonwealth Park Hotel of Richmond, Virginia's first all-suite hotel which was awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award. Kay was elected the first president of the Metro Richmond Hotel & Motel Association and the first woman to be appointed to the Virginia Board of Tourism. Upon retiring from the hotel industry, Kay established The Gardner Group, a planning and consulting firm.
Kay was raised in the Salem Fork Baptist Church in Elkin, NC, and upon moving to Richmond became an active member of First Baptist Church of Richmond. Kay had a love for shopping and traveling. She and her husband Happy enjoyed their family and friends and spent much time traveling together.
Kay is survived by her loving sister, Foy Scott Moser, of Mount Airey, NC; 20 nieces and nephews; special extended family, Gwen and Grady Davis; three godchildren; and five special grandchildren.
A Graveside Service to celebrate Kay's life will be held on Wednesday, the 7th of August 2024, at 1 p.m., in the Chapel at Hollywood Cemetery, 412 S. Cherry Street, Richmond, VA, 23220. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Chapel.
The family would like to say a special thanks to her devoted caregivers, Daisy, Julie, Linda, Sharon and Zee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Kay's memory to Salem Fork Baptist Church, 555 Twin Oaks Rd, Elkin, NC, 28621 and Virginia Home for Boys and Girls, 8716 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23294.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC, 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kay Gardner
Sponsored by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Rocky Mount.
3 Entries
Jim Foster
August 16, 2024
My name is Jimmy Foster, I´m Max Lewis´s nephew. Kay was married to my uncle for a short period of time due to a tragic death. Kay was a wonderful, caring and loving person. The whole Lewis family loved her and Happy very much. May she rest in piece.
Shelley Gravatt
August 3, 2024
Spent many years traveling with Kay and enjoying our friendship. She was quite the lady, and definitely knew her "stuff." Prayers for her family and friends. Kay, we will miss you.
Maary ' Bruce Ricks
August 1, 2024
We were very fortunate to have Kay for a neighbor. She was a lovely lady and we will miss her. She was so very blessed to have a friend like Gwen . Never have I seen such a kind, faithful and loving friendship as theirs . Gwen, our thoughts are certainly with you and all your family because we know they all loved her too. Mary Bruce and Robert ricks
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