Mary Beth Gardner

Mary is survived by her two daughters: Lisa Gardner Powers and her husband, Adam, of University Park; and Leigh Gardner McCartin and her husband, Michael, of University Park; three grandchildren: Mary Grace McCartin, Maxwell McCartin, and Caroline Powers. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James Barrington Gardner.

Mary was born in Waxahachie, Texas, to Walter Sanford and Clara Bernice Strickland on October 20, 1932. After graduating from Waxahachie High School in 1950, Mary worked for Floyd West Insurance company for fifteen years. While serving as a child ministry volunteer at First United Methodist Church of Waxahachie, she met the love of her life, James Gardner. After marriage, Mary devoted her life to raising her daughters. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. While Mary and Jim were avid world travelers, they returned again and again to experience and share the majestic beauty of the Scottish Highlands with their entire family.

Mary was involved in many community service organizations, including the Salvation Army. In support of her husband’s banking career, she was President of Dallas Bankers’ Wives. Mary was also an active longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Dallas.

Due to the pandemic, a private memorial service will be held for immediate family members only at Sparkman Hillcrest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The North Texas Food Bank at 3677 Mapleshade Lane, Plano Texas, 75075, and online at https://ntfb.org.