Cleo Lester Gardner

GROSECLOSE, VA. Cleo Lester Gardner, 87, went to be with her Lord on Saturday December 16, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Cleo was born on December 24, 1929 to the late Wallace and Mae Shupe Lester. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, and love of her life of 64 years, James Clifton Gardner; and her son, James Madison Gardner, II. Along side of her husband James, Cleo had been a faithful member of Cedar Bluff Baptist Church in Atkins, Va. since 1969. They both served their Lord in numerous ways inside as well as outside the church. Cleo had an infectious smile that would brighten your day and she could always find time to lend an ear for anyone in need. She was a huge supporter for children and youth, and a believer in people. She will be missed! Family remaining to cherish Cleo's memory includes her daughters, Teresa McNeil (James) of Marion, Va., Robin Niehoff (Robert) of Groseclose Va.; grandchildren, Jason Gardner (Julie) of Axton, Va., Brian Gardner of Axton, Va., Jeffrey Gardner of Rome Italy, Sarah McNew (Zachary) of Marion Va., Kathryn McNeil of Arlington Va., great-grandchildren Zoey Gardner of Dothan, Al., Elyse Gardner of Axton, Va.; daughter-in-law Carol (Gardner) Zimoski of Martinsville, Va.; and special caregiver, Jennifer Cornett of Marion, Va. The family would like to give special thanks to their Cedar Bluff Baptist Church family for all their love and support. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 7 pm. at Cedar Bluff Baptist Church in Atkins, Va., with Pastor Justin Hall officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 pm until the time of service at the church, or any time at the home of Teresa and James McNeil. Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday December 20, 2017 at 2 pm at Roselawn Cemetery in Princeton W. Va. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Cleo Lester Gardner.