Bennie McGougan Gardner, 85, died March 20, 2012 under hospice care in Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Gardner was born July 1, 1926 in Lumber Bridge, NC to the late James and Ada Chason McGougan. She was a graduate of Meredith College. Mrs. Gardner raised her family and spent her adult life in Lumberton where she was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Lumberton, Mr. and Mrs. Garden Club, and the Lumberton Lady Lions Club.

A graveside service will be held Saturday April 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton with Rev. Joe Bounds and Dr. David Elks officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, John Sherrin Gardner, former Chief District Court Judge with the 16th Judicial District.

A visitation at First Baptist Church of Lumberton, 606 N. Walnut Street, will follow the service.

Mrs. Gardner is survived by her daughter Sherrin Sowers and her husband John of Pensacola, FL and daughter Susan White and her husband James of Roswell, GA; and five grandchildren, Scott Sowers of Washington, D.C., Emily White of Washington, D.C., Meredith Sowers of Washington, D.C., David White of Atlanta, GA, and Leigh Sowers of Pensacola, FL.

The family requests memorial gifts to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

On-line condolences may be made by visiting: www.floydmortuary.net.