Eileen Tarver Gardner

Mrs. Eileen Tarver Gardner, age 73, of Dothan AL passed away January 5, 2016, at Flowers Hospital.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday January 7, 2016, at First United Methodist Church Dothan with Dr. Jim Sanders and Rev. Allie Freeman officiating with grave site service to follow in Sunset Memorial Park with Robert Byrd directing. The family will receive friends at FUMC Dothan in the parlor Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Worship Enhancement Project”, “Music Ministry Fund” or “In Christ’s Name Fund” at First United Methodist Church, Dothan, AL.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Arthur Wright Gardner; two sons Arthur Wright Gardner, Jr. Karen of Atlanta, GA and Bertram Harmon Gardner Meredith of Newnan, GA; three granddaughters, Annie, Charlotte, and Frances; her sister Christine Tarver Loyed George of Blakely, GA; sister-in-law Doris Gardner of Auburn, AL; sister-in-law Mary-Lee Blankenship Van of Talladega, AL; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Eileen was born on September 30, 1942 in Dothan, AL at Moody Hospital.  She grew up in Blakely, GA and was the daughter of the late James Bertram Tarver and Pauline Eubanks Tarver. She was a graduate of Blakely Union School now Early County High School in 1960.  She attended LaGrange College and Auburn University and graduated from Auburn in 1964 with a degree in Elementary Education.  She taught third and fourth grades for many years in Columbus and Atlanta, GA, as well as Monroe, NC.  She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Dothan and Progressors Sunday School Class.  She was a member of the Forsythia Garden Club and auxiliary member of the Dothan Service League and avid Auburn fan.  Most of all she cherished her time spent with family and friends.  Eileen had a way of making everyone feel important and had a positive impact on the lives she touched.

Those serving as pallbearers: Larry Bailey, Alec Blankenship, Jim Gardner, Mike Gardner, Allen Loyed, George Loyed, Jim Loyed, and Charlie Mason. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Progressors Sunday School Class at FUMC.