Polly Ann Adams Gardner, daughter of the late Archie and Cora Adams, was born on February 1, 1932, in Harleyville, SC.  On March 8, 2024, she took the Master's hand as the gates of Heaven opened and extended a warm welcome to her eternal home.

Polly was educated in the public school system of Dorchester County.

Polly accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Harleyville, SC. She was diligent in her membership and served in many of the church's capacities including Usher Board, Finance Committee, Kitchen Committee, Stewardess Board, Class Leader, Senior Choir, and the church cleaning committee.  Polly was the oldest church member and was named "Mother of the Church".  This was a title that she held very dear to her heart.  She was honored on numerous occasions for her dedication to the church over the years.

On December 17, 1953, Polly was joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Thomas W. Gardner.  From this union, they were blessed with four daughters: Betty, Janice, Thomasena and Jacqueline.

Polly spent many years as a harvester.  She later chose a different career path and became a school bus driver where she drove for 18 ½ years.  Polly loved driving the bus and loved each child like they were her own.  She always told stories of her memories of working.  Polly had many different hobbies.

Her favorite things were cooking, fishing, playing Bingo, reading the newspaper, and doing anything that included her twin, "Molly."  She was in several social groups and was active at the David Sojourner Senior Center, where she volunteered and enjoyed the fellowship with the other seniors.

Polly was the Matriarch of her loving family.  She had a unique connect with each of her children and grandchildren.  Polly's love was without limits and her remarkable presence will always be treasured in the hearts and memories of her beloved family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Wesley Gardner; her youngest daughter, Jacqueline Gardner Parson; and her sisters, Gertrude Adams and Molly Simmons.

Polly touched the lives of so many in her 92 years on earth.  She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her beloved daughters: Betty Ann Brown, Janice V. Jackson, and Thomasena J. Gardner all ofHarleyville, SC; one devoted grandson whom she raised as her own, Wesley J. Gardner; seven loving granddaughters, Erika Brown, Elishaba Brown, ChiQuetta Gardner, Alanna Johnson (Terrence), Dion Gardner, Hadiza Parson, and Kataya Parson; 10 great grandchildren, who were the apples of her eye; a loving sister, Hannah Heyward of District Heights, Maryland; one special niece, Bertha Washington; two special friends, Frizella Heath and Juilette Berry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.  As her life was a blessing and her memory a treasure, she was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.