Freeda America Hill Gardner, 94 of Woodlawn, passed away on Friday, July 15, 2022 at Waddell Nursing and Rehab Center.  Freeda was a life-long resident of Carroll County, Va. She worked at several different jobs including housewife and mother, Hillsville courthouse office job, cook at the jail, post office clerk, secretary and lunchroom bookkeeper at Woodlawn High and Intermediate School in which she retired to take care of her husband.

Freeda was known for her deep love of her family and friends. She organized many family reunions and stressed the importance of family getting together. She often said that "there's nothing better than "good friends" and "one could not have too many friends"! She enjoyed her garden and plants/flowers and spending time with family and friends. She was the happiest in her kitchen cooking up a meal for family, neighbors, friends and farmhand help. Later in life she took painting classes with a circle of friends and soon she was painting seasonal scenes in which she gave one to each of her grandchildren. She always looked on the brighter side of life and made the best out of difficult situation. She loved and served the Lord and was active member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence C. Gardner; parents, Joseph Fred and Ella Stoneman Hill; son, Claude Martin Gardner; and daughter-in-law, Kathy McCrocklin Gardner.

Survivors include her son, Joseph William Gardner and his friend, Robin Richardson; daughter, Millie Wykoff and husband, Marshall; grandchildren, Tyrus Gardner, Jacob Gardner, Michelle Wykoff, and Matthew Wykoff; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and a host of special friends.

The family extends their gratitude to her many special friends and family who kept in contact with her after her stroke- the visits, cards, and telephone calls. Also, many thanks to the main floor staff at Waddell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dina Clower and Rev. Terri Gregory officiating.  Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 12:00 until 2:00 PM prior to the funeral service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Woodlawn United Methodist Church P.O. Box 75, Woodlawn, VA 24381 or Woodlawn Cemetery, 128 Forest Oak Road, Woodlawn, VA 24381. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.