Vera Gardner (2-18-12) service 2-23-12

Vera Marie Gardner, 87, died on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Vera was born in Savannah, daughter of the late John P. and Minnie Alexander. She was united in marriage to David (Sam) Gardner Jr. in 1946 and while he served in the U.S. Air Force they lived in Clovis, NM, Fairbanks, Alaska, Superior, Wis., Japan and Lompoc, Calif. before returning to Savannah in 1967. Vera won awards in oriental flower arranging while in Japan. Upon returning to Savannah Vera worked for Alexander Pontiac-Olds (now Jones Motors) for several years as their bookkeeper. She was active in the Savannah Church of Christ and served on The Hardin County Bank Board of Directors.

Memorial service will be Thursday, Feb. 23, at Shackelford Funeral Home. Burial will be immediately after the service at Memory Gardens. A reception for family and friends will be held at 1080 Church Street, following burial.

She is survived by her son David Gardner; three grandsons; her brother Jerry Alexander; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her husband David (Sam) Gardner; her brothers J.P., Max and Wilbur Alexander; her sisters Opal Hall and Edith Castelli.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude’s or North Texas SPCA.