Lilly, known as Christine in her younger years, was the daughter of Lawson and Clarice Bargainer of Baytown, Texas, where she grew up along with her younger brother Vernon.
Upon graduation from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Lilly attended Southern Methodist University where she met and married LeRoy Gardner in 1945. Lilly and LeRoy were devoted to each other for all their 70 year marriage. Together they transferred to OU (Oklahoma University) and began their family there.
The Gardner family returned to Texas and lived in Baytown until the devastation of Hurricane Carla destroyed their home. After recovering, the family moved to Houston, and Lilly began working at Houston Lighting and Power where she scheduled the train cars that brought coal to the power plant.
Lilly and LeRoy always enjoyed traveling whether to visit family, a special destination, or enjoying an elder hostel. They thought nothing of jumping in the car for a day trip or overnight adventure.
After taking early retirement, Lilly and LeRoy moved to Hilltop Lakes, Texas, where Lilly joined her husband in his favorite pastime of golf. The couple later moved back to Houston to be closer to their family.
Through the years, Lilly taught piano lessons and sang in the church choir. She loved cooking and baking, especially for her family at holidays and celebrations.
Lilly was known for her work with the arts and crafts of quilt making, needlepoint, embroidery, and sewing. She was never without a beautiful project. Lilly had a contagious smile and believed you could do anything if only you put your mind to it.
Lilly attended the Methodist church and believed in sharing her many blessings.
Lilly Christine was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy. Lilly is survived by her children Deborah Beck and Randall Gardner, his wife Sandi Gardner and their daughter Katherine Furley, and her brother Vernon Bargainer.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to: Houston SPCA, Memorial Park Conservancy or Houston Food Bank.
Memorial Service to be held on November 3, 2022 at 10:30AM, Parkway Place Senior Living, 1321 Park Bayou Dr.,Houston, TX 77077 (Please wear a mask). Graveside service for immediate family only.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Gardner family.
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