Esther DeHay Gardner

Esther DeHay Gardner 86 passed away March 27, 2025 in Orangeburg Hospice Care.

Esther is survived by her husband Larry of nearly 65 years, sons Lonnie Gardner and John Gardner of Holly Hill; sister Minerva McLendon (Dan) of Anderson; brother-in-law Linwood Ackerman of Inman; niece Deanna Mutz (Chuck); nephew Richard McLendon of Anderson and several other nieces and nephews.

Esther was a 1960 graduate of Winthrop College and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in education. She spent her life teaching in elementary schools in both public and private schools in Holly Hill. Esther’s love for music and love of God led her to serve as choir director and pianist at Bethlehem Southern Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 12:00-1:00PM at Bethlehem Southern Methodist Church. The service will follow at 1:00PM. Burial will conclude in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Bethlehem Southern Methodist Church, PO Box 595, Eutawville, SC 29048.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.