WILMINGTON — Jan Gardner, 92, a resident of Wilmington since 1970, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2018.
She was born July 6, 1925, in Dubberly, La., attended High School in Norphlet, Ariz., married and spent her early years in Memphis, Tenn., and Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. She also lived in Littleton, Colo., Pass Christian, Miss., and after losing her home to Hurricane Camille, she and John were transferred to the General Electric facility in Wilmington.
Jan was preceded in death by her husband, John E Gardner of Wilmington, N.C.; parents, James “Papa Rabbit” Reeves and Bernie “Momma Rabbit” Reeves of Jefferson, Texas; brother, Leland of Jefferson, Texas; and sisters, Jean of Houston, Texas, and Alma of Slidell, La.
She is survived by her brother, John Clayton Reeves of Jefferson, Texas; loving companion, Don Hurlburt of Wilmington; daughter, Jan (Gerry) Koscinski of Newport News, Va.; two grandchildren, Mathieu Blackston of Oceanside, Calif., and Janell Binder of Charlotte, N.C.; and six great-grandchildren, Maria, Audrey and Quin Blackston, Ellie and Paul Binder and Adriene Jones Krug.
Jan’s favorite pastimes were playing cards, traveling and dancing. She enjoyed the competitive nature of Duplicate Bridge and was a lifelong member of the American Contract Bridge League, attaining Gold Life Grand Master. She traveled around the country to visit family and friends while attending tournaments with her bridge partners.
She also enjoyed dancing with her friends in Wilmington and playing Gin Rummy or Up and Down the River with her grandchildren. There was always time for a game of cards at every family gathering. We love you Mom/Ganny and will miss you very much.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Monday, April 9, at Andrews Market Street Chapel, Wilmington. Burial will take place at a later date in Jefferson, Texas.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the National Stroke Association in memory of Janet R. Gardner.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
