She was born on May 20, 1924, to Dora and James Pearson as the ninth of ten children. She was the only surviving sibling of seven brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Garner was married to the late George Fulghum Garner, Sr. for fifty-nine years. He preceded her in death in 2004.

They have three children: Glenn garner, Sr. (wife Gail) of Halifax, NC, George Garner, Jr. (wife Ann) of Lancaster, SC, and Nancy Harper (husband Jerry) of Oriental, NC; eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren: Jay and Susan Harper (Pearson & Cameron), Kevin Harper, Michelle & Nick Salter (Austin Bigley), Michael & Tracey Garner (Tyler & Alexis), Glenn & Emmie Garner, Rebecca & Michael Kresse (Grayson, Emma, Abigail, Haley & Matthew), Timmy & Denisha Story (Kaylee, Brody Green & Jax Green), and Tracy & Liz Story.

During her working career, she was employed at Leggetts as a salesperson, at William R. Davie as a substitute teacher, and at Nichols Jewel Box as a salesperson. She also did volunteer work with Meals on Wheels.

Mrs. Garner’s love for children was most evident with her grandchildren, but she also shared her love with the children in public school and those she worked with at Smith United Methodist Church.

She was a lifelong member of Smith Church and was very active in the WMU, the Adult Choir, and served on numerous church committees and boards. She remained faithful in her attendance and service to her church as long as her health allowed.

At Liberty Commons, where she resided for the past eight years, she was known as the “lady with the beautiful smile.”

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the love and care given to Mrs. Garner by the Liberty nurses and staff and her Smith Church family.

The celebration of life service for Mrs. Garner will be at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Smith United Methodist Church, with visitation from 1:00 – 2:30 pm in the church sanctuary. At other times, the family will be meeting at the home of Glenn & Gail Garner at 663 Trueblood Road, Halifax, NC 27839. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Building Fund of Smith United Methodist Church at 1215 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 or to the Home Delivered Meals of Halifax County, attention Gail Garner, 26 N. King Street, PO Box 646, Halifax, NC 27839.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.