Mary Melinda “Lynn” Stephenson Gard died in her home, May 20, 2015 in Chatham County, North Carolina after battling cancer for 12 years.
Lynn was born November 1, 1940 in Atlanta, Georgia to Ches Huchingson Stephenson and H. Lance Stephenson. Lynn graduated from Southwest High School and Georgia State
University where she earned a B.A. in English and Education. She taught
school for Fulton County, Georgia.
On January 2, 1965, Lynn married James Risen Gard. They moved to
Prince Georges County, Maryland where Lynn taught for Prince Georges
County. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, Laura Melinda, they moved
to Tampa, Florida. Their son, Matthew Lance, was born in Tampa after the
family moved to Land O’Lakes, Florida.
In 1985, the family moved to Durham, North Carolina. Lynn loved to work as a librarian for the Orange County Public Library and Alamance Community College. Lynn was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She was an avid reader and loved to travel. She and Jim traveled to Italy six times. She and her sister Carol Sunderman traveled to Ireland and Eastern Europe. She was a marvelous cook and gardener. Many friends and family considered her to be the best cook they ever knew. She was a poet and a member of a local writing group for 30 years. She was completely devoted to her grandchildren and passionately interested in every part of their lives and development. She was greatly loved by many friends.
Lynn is survived by her husband of fifty years, Jim Gard; her daughter, Laura Melinda Gard Smith (Kirby) of New Bern, North Carolina; her son Matthew Lance Gard (Gepsy) of Durham, North Carolina; and her grandchildren Kirby and Huchingson Smith; Pvt. Jimmy Bardales Gard, USMC, Lance and Victoria Gard; her sister Carol Ann Sunderman (Jack) of Columbia, South Carolina and much-loved nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 23 at Mount Pleasant United
Methodist Church; 269 Mann’s Chapel Road, Pittsboro, North Carolina. Immediately following interment in the church cemetery, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church. A visitation will be held from 7-9:00pm on Friday the 22nd in the fellowship hall of the church.
Ron Sterling
Jim and Family,
You are in our families thoughts and prayers at this special time. Trust in the Lord for He will comfort you. Remember all of the wonderful loving times and celebrate Lynn’s wonderful life as a Wife and Mom.
AGAPE,
Ron and Paul Sterling Families