Emily was born in Blacksburg, SC in 1912, the third child of John and Lillie Byers. She spent her childhood in Charlotte, NC. In 1937, she married John Flay Gardner of Cleveland County. When he completed his Army service, they moved to Shelby to raise their young family.

During the last year of her life, Emily lived in Wilmington, where her family could care for and be cared for by her. 

Emily loved Shelby and her many family, friends and neighbors. She was active in the First Baptist Church, her bridge clubs, book clubs and garden clubs.  Her greatest joy in life was her love for her family.  Emily will be remembered by all who knew her as a beautiful woman, both inside and out.

Emily, who was preceded in death by Flay Gardner, her husband of 45 years, is survived by her son John F. Gardner, Jr and his wife Shari of Whiteville, NC; their children Jennifer (Mike) Levi of Washington, DC; Elizabeth (Todd) Hinshaw, Katie (Lance) Lomax and John F. Gardner III all of Wilmington, NC; and her daughter Jane G. Jordan and her husband Joe of Raleigh, NC, and their children Neal (Jenny) Jordan and Emily (Bryan) Kincade, both of Charlotte, NC; and ten wonderful great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother John (Frances) Byers of Charlotte, NC.  Sisters Agnes Loven of Concord and Mary Harrell of Shelby preceded her in death.

A service celebrating Emily’s life will be held on Tuesday January 18, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Shelby. A visitation will begin at 1:00 PM preceding the service in the Ladies Parlor of the First Baptist Church.

The family extends its gratitude to the many friends and caregivers who have provided care to Emily in the last years of her life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, the First Baptist Church of Shelby or a charity of one’s choice are welcome.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Gardner.

Guest Registry is available at

www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com