Annie E. Gardner

Annie Ellen Agee Gardner, 98, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

She was born in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, on June 11, 1926, to Eden and Annie Agee. As the youngest of ten children, she was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brothers, Epperly Agee, Curtis Agee, and Tom Agee; and sisters, Claudia Wood, Elizabeth Hubbard, Mary Lee Yeatts, Fannie Reynolds, Judith Johenning, and Rosetta Wheeler. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, James Lee Gardner.

Mrs. Gardner attended Radford College and retired from the Virginia Tech Extension Service in 1991. She was a faithful member of Central United Methodist Church and the Builders Sunday School Class and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her three daughters, Anita Barden, Carolyn Garst (David), and Mary Ann Penney (Raye); 7 grandchildren, Andrew Barden (Lisa), Jenny Blazvick (Shaun), David Garst (Rachel), Kevin Garst (Sarah), Jamie Garst (Sarah), Katherine Jamison (Michael), and Alison Rawlins; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate Mrs. Gardner’s life will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church in Salem. Family and friends will be welcome for visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The funeral service will then begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Andrew Baek officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park, also in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Central United Methodist Church located at 428 South College Avenue in Salem, Virginia 24153. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.