Barbara Gardner

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from Holy Rosary Catholic Church with the interment to follow in the church cemetery. Father Alexis Zuniga will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-6 pm on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at McClain-Hays Funeral Home with the Rosary to follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home.

Barbara Marie “Bobbie” White Gardner, 86, of the Tucker Community near Philadelphia, Mississippi, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 3, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Mississippi.

Bobbie was born on March 25, 1940, in the Tucker Community to Willard Jerome White and Margaret Florine White. A lifelong resident of the community she dearly loved, she built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and hard work. She began her career as a nurse’s aide at Whitfield Hospital, where she met the love of her life, George Gilbert Gardner. Later, she managed the Next to New Store for the Catholic Church, where she enjoyed serving others and forming lasting friendships. Bobbie loved sewing, collecting cookbooks, and fishing. She was especially known for her love of gardening and her remarkable green thumb. Whether tending flowers or nurturing plants, she found joy in watching things grow, and her beautiful gardens reflected the care and love she poured into everything she did. Above all, Bobbie treasured her family. She was a devoted mother whose greatest pride was her son and the family she loved so deeply. She was also a loyal and faithful friend whose kindness, strength, compassion, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone who knew her. A faithful member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Bobbie lived her faith through quiet acts of service, love, and generosity. Her gentle spirit, steadfast loyalty, and warm heart will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Gilbert Gardner, and her infant son, George Timothy Gardner.

She leaves behind her son, Mitchell Jerome Gardner, and two sisters, Janette Anderson and Rebecca “Becky” Marsh (Linc) along with many cherished nieces and nephews, and all whose lives were enriched by her friendship and love.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown by her incredible friends during this time of loss.

Though Bobbie’s presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, friendship, and quiet strength will continue to bloom in the lives of those she loved.