Julia Byrd Gardner, 97, of Jacks Creek and Newport News, VA, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Yancey House, where she was currently living. Born February 14, 1920 in Thermal City, NC, she was a daughter of the late Charles Lester and Hallie Koon Byrd and the wife of 61 years of Glenn W. Gardner, who died in 2001. She was also preceded in death by brothers: Bobby, Norman and C. L. Byrd, Jr. Julia was a member of Temple Baptist Church, where she played the piano for her Sunday School class for many years, and a member of Warwick Chapter #43, Order of the Eastern Star for 59 years. She played the piano for the Eastern Star meetings for over 20 years. Her dad bought her a piano when she was 12 years old. She took a few lessons, but was mostly self-taught. “Mom had a soft touch and everyone enjoyed listening to her”. She retired from Coats and Clark after many years of service. Our ‘Little China Doll’ was our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Surviving are a daughter: Carol Pully and husband John of Newport News; a son: Gary Gardner of Burnsville and Newport News; 2 grandchildren: Rick (Julie) Pully of Lombard, IL and Debbie (John) Hansin of East Haven, Conn; great grandchildren: Jay Schwenk and Brendan and Sean Pully. Julia was very fond of her nieces and nephews and many special friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Reverend Joe Bennett, Hospice Chaplain, will officiate. Burial will be in the Jacks Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Yancey County and Yancey House for all their love, concern and tender care for our Mom.