Frances Gardner

Frances Mae Hinkle Gardner, 81, of Burlington, NC went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 5, 2013 at Hospice Home of Alamance-Caswell after a brief illness. Frances was the daughter of the late Sollie Franklin Hinkle and Jessie Mae Black. She was born March 17, 1932 in Thomasville, NC. She attended grades 1-12 at Pilot High School in Thomasville where she graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1950. The fall of that year, she attended Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, NC and later graduated with a Bachelors degree in Education. She received her Masters degree in Education from UNC-Greensboro. Frances taught in the Burlington City School System and Greensboro City School System for 36 years before retiring. She taught 4th grade and the Math Lab Program. She was devoted to her career and the children she taught. Frances was a member of Davis Street United Methodist Church and the Builders' Sunday School Class. Before becoming physically unable, she enjoyed attending services and Sunday school. Builders SS Class members visited and sent her cards and gifts. They were much appreciated. Those who knew Frances knew how much she loved animals. She was known as the "cat Lady" by some due to the numerous stray cats she gave a home to, as well as, lots of love and care. They were her babies and treated accordingly. A special thank you goes out to Dr Sharon King and the staff of Town 'n' Country Animal Hospital for their kindness and care of her beloved pets over the years. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert Paul Bob Gardner of Thomasville and a brother Frank Hinkle of Thomasville. She is survived by her daughter Susan Gail Gardner Davis, Burlington; sister Joan Carol Hinkle Robertson; sister-in-law Peggy Hinkle, Thomasville; aunt Gladys Shoaf, Thomasville; cousin Craig Shoaf , Creswell and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 11:00 am by Rev. Ellen McCubbin and Rev. Dr. Charles Lee "Chuck" Hutchens. Entombment will follow at Alamance Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memoriam to the Humane Society of Alamance County, PO Box 5117, Burlington, NC 27216 or any animal shelter/pet adoption center in your area.