The funeral service for Mrs. Margaret Eargle Gardner, age 98, will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Burial will be in Cedar Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery in upper Richland County. Visitation will be held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Mrs. Gardner died on September 18, 2018. Born on August 22, 1920 in the Cedar Creek Community of upper Richland County, she was a daughter of the late Boyd J. Eargle and Kathleen DuBard Eargle. From the young age of eight years old she was very active in 4-H until age 18. As an adult, she joined the statewide Master 4-H club, helping organize local clubs and mentoring other clubs while working for Clemson Extension Services and then Standard Oil Company of Columbia from which she retired after 22 years.

Mrs. Gardner was married in 1943 to Lt. Emmett Russell Edwards, a navy fighter pilot aboard the USS Independence. He was killed during World War II. Twelve years later she married Frank Gardner.

Mrs. Gardner was a lifelong member of Cedar Creek United Methodist Church. She served for many years as president of the Fairfield Chapter of the American Bible Society, was involved in the Lion's Club, and Clemson Extension Service's fund-raising efforts.

Surviving are a sister, Julie Hendrix (Raymond) of Columbia, a nephew, Boyd Hendrix (Ann) of Lexington, a great nephew, Robert Hendrix (Tracie) of Lexington, a great niece, Elizabeth Hendrix of Lexington and many cousins. In addition to her parents and husbands, Mrs. Gardner was predeceased by her sister, Mary Frances Eargle Harrell.

We extend our deepest gratitude to special friends Mrs. Minnie Campbell and Mrs. Debbie Lamar.

Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.