"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10

Mother Barbara Jean Gardner "Granny" formerly of 16359 Jerusalem Plank Road Waverly, Virginia entered the heavenly realm to receive her wings on July 16, 2014 at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, VA.

Barbara Gardner was born on May 24, 1955 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Norman and Daisy Gardner. She was preceded in death by two brothers whom she loved dearly, Norman Gardner and James Gardner.

She was a 1973 graduate of Lincoln High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Upon completing high school she worked for the United States Postal Service in Kearney, New Jersey for several years. After relocating to Virginia she performed work in her divine calling of providing exceptional care to individuals with a plethora of needs including children, the sick, the elderly, and the terminally ill. She was employed by Pioneer Personal Care in Jarratt, Virginia for four years. Most recently she was employed by the Jireh House, LLC in Waverly, Virginia, where she enjoyed and loved providing quality care to the individuals she served until her health declined.

Barbara joined the Empowerment Temple Ministries located in Waverly, Va. in 2006 under the leadership of Pastor Terrence L. Green, Sr. whom she was honored to have as her Pastor/Son whom she loved profoundly. There she was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. She served as the Mother of the church where she impacted many lives with her gentle spirit and healing touch. She loved her spiritual family wholeheartedly and unconditionally and she served in the Kingdom with passion and dedication. Mother Gardner was the President of the Kitchen Ministry where she served in the spirit of excellence. She was also a member of the Women's Ministry where she thoroughly enjoyed attending the annual Women's Retreat.

Barbara enjoyed shopping, vacationing with family, preparing delectable dishes and extending hospitality to everyone. She took great pride in her appearance; everything had to match and she was the true definition of a "Diva". Her personable demeanor and beautiful smile captivated the hearts of everyone who came in her presence.

She leaves to carry on her legacy, two devoted daughters whom she saw blossom into beautiful women of God, Tanisha Green (Terrence Sr.) of Waverly, VA, and Shirmere Gardner of Chesterfield, VA, one son who she esteemed and was very proud of as an anointed man of God, Edward Gardner, Sr. (Shawnise) of Petersburg, VA, one sister Evangelist Linda Gardner of Waverly, VA, one brother Raymond Gardner of Waverly, VA, five grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Tayjah Green, Tanea Green, Terrence Green, Jr., Sha'Bria Baines, and Edward Gardner, Jr., one Godson Kareem Winfield of Waverly, VA, three nephews whom she loved as her own sons Daman Gardner of Waldorf, MD., Desmond Gardner and Derrell Brown of Waverly, VA, two great nephews Savyhn and Caleb Gardner, three great nieces Amari, Anijah, and Kyndall Gardner, lifelong friends Ellen Lindsay of Oxford, NC, and Gail Motley of Jersey City, NJ, a devoted cousin who she talked to everyday Karen Winfield, a special son Kalanthial Holloman whom she had grown to love, a host of cousins, adopted children and grandchildren, church family, and friends.

Funeral service for Mother Gardner will be Sunday, July 20, 2014, 3:00pm at Empowerment Temple Holiness Church, Waverly, VA, Pastor Terrence Green, Eulogizing. Interment will follow at Mount Moriah Church Cemetery, Homeville, VA.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Peace-Bland Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, VA, 804-834-2219, James I Gay, Funeral Director. Please share your condolences online at www.peaceblandfuneralhome.com