Leslie Gardner

SIKESTON - Leslie Frances Gardner, 36, died at 6:37 p.m. Aug. 21, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

Born Dec. 23, 1965, at Corpus Christi, Texas, daughter of Thurman R. and Mary Frances Owen Willis Sr. of Sikeston, she had lived most of her life in Sikeston where she was a member of the First Christian Church and Smith Avenue Church of God. She was a data clerk for Burch Food Services and lifetime member of the Thesbian Society. A 1984 graduate of Sikeston High School, she had been an avid sports fan and helped raise funds for various Little League, Babe Ruth and soccer leagues in Sikeston.

On Dec. 23, 1983, in Sikeston, she married Timothy Edwin Gardner who survives of the home.

Survivors in addition to her husband and parents include: two sons, Timothy E. Gardner Jr. and Scott Gardner of the home; three brothers, Thurman Willis Jr. of Sikeston, Brian Willis of Merritt Island, Fla., and David Willis of Cape Girardeau; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. today at Blanchard Funeral Chapel where services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Dr. Allen M. Shriver, pastor of the First Christian Church, will officiate.

Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Steve Palmer, Thurman Willis Jr., David Willis, Brian Willis, Jimmy Gardner and Billy McIntosh.