Betty Jane Gardner

COLUMBIA Betty Gardner, age 80, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, following a brief illness. Born July 27, 1943 in Huntsville, Ala., she was the daughter of the late William Allison and Eleanor Heffernan Aker of Atlanta, Ga. She met her husband, Edward Earl Gardner, in Atlanta and they were married in 1964. They have been permanent residents of Columbia ever since.

Betty is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years; a daughter, Laura Mahaffey of Greenville, S.C.; a son, Ed Gardner (Berkeley) of Charlotte. Also surviving are five loving grandchildren, Alex Mahaffey (Madeline), Matthew Mahaffey (Chloe), Berkeley Gardner, Luke Gardner and Andrew Mahaffey.

Following their retirement, Betty and Earl enjoyed traveling to many beautiful places in God’s creation. Betty was a long time member of the Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), where she served on the Flower Guild, the Vestry and as a member of St. Bridget’s Guild.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2023 at Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), with burial to follow in the Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends in the parish hall immediately following the burial. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1512 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or the charity of one’s choice.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.