Bertha Mae White Gardner of Smithfield, born on May 11,1929, passed away peacefully at home on Mondy, August 19, 2024, at the age of 95.  She was the daughter of the late James Nicholas White and Margaret Bertha Vellines White. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Allen Duncan Gardner, Sr. She is survived by her daughters, Frances Gardner Turner (Russell) and Linda Gardner Hatcher (Wilford); sons, Allen D. Gardner, Jr., Bobby A. Gardner and Alvin R. Gardner(Rita); grandchildren, Melissa, Stevie, Cindy, Joey, Jeff, Trey, Jennifer, Derrick, Tia and Alex; fifteen great grandchildren; two  great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret Gardner Cofield; two grandsons, John C. Cofield, Jr. and Jerrald C. Cofield; three brothers, George T. White, Jr., Otis S. White and James W. White.

Bertha Mae was born the only daughter of six kids and raised during the Great Depression. This humble beginning made her the strong caring woman everyone who was blessed to know her, loved. She was never a boastful or materialistic person, rather one who loved the simple things in life like family, friends, raising children, playing cards, day trips, bluegrass music and most of all laughing.

She was a lifelong member of Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church where she served Christ and spent time on the fellowship committee. Bertha Mae’s fighting spirit and strength remained up until the end. She will be remembered for her kind and easy going personality and always saying

“I love everyone”

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m., at Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church. A burial will follow in St. Luke’s Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Whitehead’s Grove Building Fund.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.