Obituary: Carol Davis Gardner

Kinston - Carol Davis Gardner, 80, left this Earth on March 28, 2025 to be reunited with her soulmate, Larry, in the kingdom of Heaven, where they will spend eternity together at long last.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Dana Argo (Steve) and her children Wesley, Daniel, Tayler, and Emily; her son, Ryan Christopher Gardner; her sister, Martha Davis Leasure (Gary) of Marathon, FL; a couple of great-grandchildren; her best friend Kay McCoy of Hugo; a long list of sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her furry children, Rudy and Tabitha.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Mance Gardner, the love of her life; her mother, Emma Estelle Davis of Rocky Mount; her father, Jesse Ray Davis of Rocky Mount; and her brothers, George Ray Davis, Sr. of Rocky Mount and Charles Eugene Davis of Maiden.

Carol was born on December 25, 1944, in Edgecombe County, and because her parents had a sense of humor, she was both Mary Christmas and Christmas Carol. She graduated from Benvenue High School in Rocky Mount, NC, where she was crowned Miss Benvenue. She moved to Lenoir County with Larry when he worked for the Research Station and found herself working for NCNB and First Citizens Bank for years before switching over to work for a group of fellows she loved at the tobacco company Monk (then Austin, then Monk Austin, then Dimon). She retired a few years after working in Farmville after the company moved operations there.

Carol loved hummingbirds and animals of all kinds. She especially loved Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, NC. She also loved roses and flowers of all kinds, although she would be the first to tell you that if you want a plant to die, send it her way. She adored her children and grandchildren. She also was awfully fond of the beach.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, at 3pm, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 712 Airport Road in Kinston, NC, and the memorial service will follow at 4pm. The family will hold a private service to scatter her ashes at a later date.

If you’d like to spread some good in the world, please feel free to donate to Sylvan Heights Bird Park, in Scotland Neck, NC.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.