Arvena McKinney Gardner

Published 12:32 pm Monday, December 9, 2024

Arvena McKinney Gardner, 95, of Johnson City, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton. Arvena was born in Bakersville, N.C., to the late George and Fannie Peterson McKinney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Ernest Gardner; a brother, Lee “Bud” McKinney; and a sister, Delora Wilson.

Arvena was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Elizabethton. She loved going to church, as well as sewing, cooking and reading. She enjoyed her flower garden and her two beloved cats, Gracie and Jazzie.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Susan Gardner of Johnson City, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A service to celebrate Arvena’s life will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services with Rev. Todd Hallman officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mr. John Bunn. The family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service.

The graveside service will follow at Washington County Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Arvena to the Samaritan’s Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607 or to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251. Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com. 

Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Gardner family. Office Phone: (423) 543-5544.