"Don't worry about me and my condition; I'm going to a place so bright and fair.  No more pain, no more heartache, and no more suffering.  My arms will be new and my legs will be too and I won't need this old wheelchair. I'll just walk around Heaven all day with The Lord".  Dot's earthly tabernacle was weak and worned. She needed rest. On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, in obedience to our Heavenly Father's call, Dorothy Lamar Gardner, affectionally known as "Dot", answered and passed away at the age of 69 and entered into eternal rest.

A native of Lowndes County, Georgia and a long time resident of Lake Park,Georgia; she was born on

September 4, 1952, in Valdosta, Georgia.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Lamar(Buddy) Gardner and Thelma Houseal Gardner and  brothers, Lemar Evans, Curtis Black, Gary Gardner and Adrian Gardner.

She was a graduate of the 1970 Lowndes County High School Graduating Class.  She  joined the United States Air Force after graduating.  She later received a Honorable Discharge due to medical reasons.

As a child, Dot joined Antioch Christian Church.  During her teen years, she moved her membership to St. Luke Freewill Baptist Church in Lake Park. After a time, she returned to her family church, Antioch.

At a time when field work was prevalent, alined with living in a small country community and an Era where todays' modern machineries were non existent; Dot had no problems engaging in stringing, handing Tobacco; as well as picking peas by hand. She also worked in various other jobs as a Cook and Convienent Store Clerk. To better her livelihood, in 1980 she moved to Boynton Beach, FL., and worked as a Receptionist in a Dentist Office. In 1981, she moved to Miami, FL., in pursuit of a career in the medical profession and received a Certificate as a CNA/Home Health Aide. In 1988 she returned to Lake Park and in 1990 she relocated to Valdosta, GA., where she remained until her demise.

Dot was disabled; but she loved Fishing! She kept her poles at ready! She never missed a chance to go  when her health permitted.  She could not ambulate well and would oftentimes be seen around town on her motorized wheel chair going to the store or visting friends so she could chat.. To know Dot was to love her.  She was a "peoples person" and never met a stranger.  She was very vocal, but kindhearted and loving.  She touched the lives of so many!  She will be soley missed!  She leaves to lament  her demise; long time companion, Tom Lewis; 4 sisters, Mamie Johnson, Valdosta, GA., Laverne(Ulysee)Brown, Clyattville,GA; Diann Williams, Judy Gardner, both of Lake Park, GA., 2 brothers, Julius(Hester)Gardner, Jasper,FL., Arthur Lee Gardner, Lake Park, GA.,1 Aunt, Mamie Houseal, Valdosta,GA., 5 uncles: Jimmy(Andrea), Louisville, KY, Nathaniel(Linda)Houseal, Waycross, GA., Willie(Cleopatra)Houseal, Valdosta,GA., Albert(Sadie)Jones, Miami, FL., Harrold(Ruthie Mae)Jones, Miami,FL.,  extended family; William Lock, Jasper, FL., Betty Bell, Jannie Gandy, Mildred Morris all of Jennings, FL., Godsister, Asia(Jerome)Fountain, Valdosta, GA., fishing buddy, good friend and neighbor, Dorothy McKeever, Valdosta, GA., lifetime friend, Sandra Baker, West Palm Beach, FL., other sorrowing relatives and caring friends.  Dot was wed to James D. Clay; but had no children. She loved children period! She was instrumental in helping raise a host of loving, caring, devoted, nieces and nephews, who are now left to mourn this heartfelt loss.