Ms. Bessie Lee Gardner, 84, formerly of Shelby, NC passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Chippenham Medical Center in Richmond, VA. She was born in Cleveland County, NC on August 23, 1935 and was the daughter of the late Willie Roberts and Carrie Louise Roberts.

Ms. Gardner received her GED and also received a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate. She spent most of her adult life in Cleveland, OH where she worked at Standard Products making parts for cars. She was a longtime member of the Order of Eastern Star Love Chapter No. 9 O.E.S. She loved to travel and when she was well, she also loved to attend church and always had a smile on her face.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Durham; a brother, Alvin Gardner and a great-great grandchild.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, James L. Gardner (Wyonella) of Shelby, NC; a daughter, Debra D. Gardner of Richmond, VA; four grandchildren, Jared Gardner, Katia Gardner, Nicholas Parrott and Temeshia L. Eberhart; three sisters, Gerlean Robinson of Hickory, NC, Velma Ross of Henderson, NV and Dorothy Lavan of Ft. Washington, MD; two brothers, Elisha Lavan of Hickory, NC and Benny Lavan of Suitland, MD; four great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The funeral service for Ms. Gardner will be private. A viewing will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020, at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at Sunset Cemetery. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.