The heavenly choir of angels has a brand new soprano… Patricia “Pat” Gardner Clements took her last breath on earth then sang her first note in heaven on Sept. 24, 2023 after a very brief but brutal fight with cancer. Her daughter Stefanie was by her side.
Pat was born in Covington, VA on June 11, 1947 to the late Jacob Dudley Gardner and Phyllis Cleo Lucas Garder. She worked as an executive assistant for most of her career most recently working at GLAD and Sweet Briar College.
Pat was a very loving and devoted mother to Stefanie P. Russell of Lynchburg, VA. Even when her health began to fail, Pat’s concern was always for her daughter. She was a phenomenal mother to Stefanie.
Although she married Andrew T. “Tommy” Clements later in life on April 12, 2003, they shared a beautiful relationship and life together. It was cut all too short but that love will last for eternity and serves as an example for many. Even Pat herself said one thing Tommy did right was marrying her. It’s safe to say he, and others, wholeheartedly agreed.
She was the oldest child and only sister to Alan Gardner (Rocchine) of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Roger Gardner (Nancy) of Owensboro, KY. Pat loved her family immensely and took great pride in her brothers and nieces Taylor Dougherty (Mike) and their son Caden; and Rachel O’Leary (Shawn) and their children Maddie and Piper. She always proudly displayed their recent pictures and always kept them in mind. She always had a huge smile when talking about her brothers and nieces.
Through her marriage to Tommy, she became stepmother to Andrew T Clements, III (Khadeeja) and Brenda C. Young (Jeffrey). They loved her for how she loved and cared for their father. She was a very loving and devoted grandmother to Anna Young, Jackson Young, and Miriam Clements. Pat was one of their biggest fans. They all knew she loved them very much.
Pat is also survived by her friend who was like a sister, Linda Childress. They walked together several days a week, did beautiful displays and wreaths together, and supported each other unconditionally.
Pat was a longtime member of Madison Heights Christian Church. She served as and Elder and as the co-chairman of the Worship Committee. Her greatest love was singing and she was a very committed member of the chancel choir. She also supported the ministry and the members of the church family.
Pat’s presence is already greatly missed by her family, friends, and others who knew her. We are comforted by the fact she is no longer in pain or suffering.
The family would like to thank the staff at Pearson Cancer Center, the oncology floor staff at Lynchburg General Hospital, and the staff at Fairmont Crossing. They all provided very loving and gentle care for Pat and even helped her family walk through the last two months. Their kindness and care of Pat was a priceless gift to her and to the family.
Those wishing to honor Pat’s memory are asked to consider donations to Madison Heights Christian Church, Meals on Wheels, or the American Cancer Society.
A Memorial Service for Pat will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 12:00pm at Madison Heights Christian Church (149 Main Street, Madison Heights 24572) with a reception following the service. Visitation for family and friends will be held an hour prior to the service.
“Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
and then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art.”
FAMILY
Andrew Thomas Clements Jr.Beloved Husband
Jacob Dudley GardnerFather (deceased)
Phyllis Cleo GardnerMother (deceased)
Stefanie P. RussellDaughter
Alan Gardner (Rocchine)Brother
Roger Gardner (Nancy)Brother
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