Barbara Ellen Chapman Gardner

Mrs. Barbara Ellen Chapman Gardner, 87, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 27, 2025, at Northern Regional Hospital. Mrs. Gardner was born July 8, 1937, in Pike County, KY, the daughter of the late Wallace Wilson and Martha Ann Varney Chapman. Barbara dedicated many years of her life to working in a local doctor’s office, where she was a familiar, comforting face to generations of patients. Her calm demeanor and steady hands brought reassurance to many, and she took great pride in her work and the relationships she built along the way. Beyond her professional life, Barbara was active in her community. As a member of the Modern Gardeners Club, her green thumb and keen eye for beauty made her a frequent recipient of the coveted “Yard of the Month” award. Her garden was a reflection of her – vibrant, well-tended, and welcoming. She was also a proud member of the Lady Lions, giving her time generously to community projects and service efforts that enriched the lives of others. Barbara was perhaps best known for her warm hospitality and exceptional cooking. Her kitchen was a haven for family, friends, and neighbors alike, always filled with the aromas of something delicious and comforting. Whether it was a holiday feast or a simple weekday supper, Barbara’s table was a place of laughter, love, and unforgettable meals. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Annette Gardner and Matthew and Kim Gardner; two stepgrandchildren, Ariel Frye and Jessica Ayers; two great-stepgrandchildren, Asher Utt and Leevi Parker; two brothers and three sisters-in-law, William Teddy and Bonnie Chapman, Elbert Rene and Brenda Chapman, and Hong Chapman; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gardner was preceded in death by her husband, Attorney Carroll Franklin Gardner; a brother, Donald Chapman; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Floyd McCoy “Mac” and Lela Stone Gardner. The funeral service will be held Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Union Primitive Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, May 30, 2025, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Union Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Graham Mosley, 1090 Bray Ford Road, Dobson, NC 27017.