Mary V. Gardner

Mary Virginia (Shiflett) Gardner, 91, widow of William Brown Gardner, Jr., formerly of Staunton, passed away Saturday evening, (January 3, 2009) in the Avante Nursing and Rehabilitation in Waynesboro.
Mrs. Gardner was born on June 28, 1917 in Staunton, a daughter of the late Franklin Price and Nancy Catherine (Adams) Shiflett.
Mary retired on June 30, 1979 from the Bell Atlantic and C \u0026 P Telephone Companies with 37 years of service. She was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church holding many different offices including President of the Women of the Church, Chairwoman of the Kitchen, and a member of the Session. Mrs. Gardner had a love for cooking and baking, which she so willingly shared with others and the enjoyment of her grandchildren was immeasurable.
In addition to her parents and her husband who preceded her in death on April 25, 1981, she was also preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Garrett and her son-in-law H. Bennie Sragovitz.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Rev. William Brown Bill III and his wife Peggy Gardner of Staunton; a daughter, Crystal G. Sragovitz of Staunton; four grandchildren, Donald R. Gardner, Katrina M. Bell, Shana Stagner and Ben Sragovitz; two great-grandchildren, Christopher Bell and Scott Stagner; two step great-grandchildren, Cory and Jacy Stagner; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, (January 7, 2009) in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Dr. Daniel S. Williams and Mrs. Gardners son, Rev. William B. Gardner, III.
Burial will follow in Thornrose Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Donald Gardner, Ben Sragovitz, Matt Bell, Christopher and Cory Stagner, R.M. Stone, Jr. and Paul Carroll.
The family will receive friends 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. this evening (January 6, 2009) in the funeral home and other times at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Peggy Gardner, 306 Hays Avenue, Staunton.
It is suggested those desiring to make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net