Lucy Ann O'neal Gardner, age 79, passed away at UNC Nash Hospital in Rocky Mount, NC, this past Tuesday, January 31st, 2023.

Lucy was born on Thursday, November 11th, 1943 at Edgecombe General Hospital in Tarboro, NC to Wilson D. (Perk) O'neal and Essie I. Williamson O'neal. She married Jan T. Gardner at Trinity Baptist Church in Tarboro on February 25th, 1966 at 22 years old. They spent the next 57 years together and had two wonderful daughters who gave them six loving grandchildren.

Lucy worked at Black & Decker in Tarboro during the 80's. She also worked at various other textile mills when she wasn't babysitting in her home from the 60's into the early 2000's. She loved flowers, cooking, hummingbirds and working in her garden when she was able. She was a great cook and cooked everyday. She always had a big Sunday dinner ready and waiting after church. Her laughter and unique, loving personality will always be remembered. She will be sorely missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Essie O'neal; one sister, Rose Pollard (Frank) and three brothers, Gene (Brenda), Eli (Patsy) and Jathel O'neal. She is survived by her husband, Jan; one sister, Debbie (Doug) Proctor; two daughters, Cathy (Mike) Warren of Robersonville and Tina Gardner of Pinetops; and six grandchildren, Megan (Ryan) Kelly, Marissa Varnadore, Michelle, Alyssa and Aaron Armstrong; and Kasie (Nick) Sawyer.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, February 4th, at 1pm at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro. Service to follow at 2pm. In lieu of formal flower arrangements, you are welcome to help us continue the gardening tradition with a potted plant or flower seeds to be planted in her memory.