Kay Scott Gardner

ROCKY MOUNT, NC – Kay Scott Gardner passed away on the 25th of July 2024. Born in Dobson, NC on the 6th of July 1936, she was one of eleven children born to the late Arvil Kester Scott and Nora Samuels Scott. Kay was proceeded in death by her husband Shockley “Happy” Dewitt Gardner, Jr.; sisters Imogene Scott, Lois Scott Nixon, Oleen Scott Haymore and Viva Scott Martin; and five brothers, Rex Scott, Dean Scott, Graham Scott, Jackie Scott and Clifford Scott. Upon graduating from Western Carolina in Cullowhee, NC, Kay moved to Virginia and began a successful career in hotel management. Kay served as Vice President and General Manager of Commonwealth Park Hotel of Richmond, Virginia’s first all-suite hotel which was awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award. Kay was elected the first president of the Metro Richmond Hotel & Motel Association and the first woman to be appointed to the Viginia Board of Tourism. Upon retiring from the hotel industry, Kay established The Gardner Group, a planning and consulting firm.Kay was raised in the Salem Fork Baptist Church in Elkin, NC and upon moving to Richmond became an active member of First Baptist Church of Richmond. Kay had a love for shopping and traveling. She and her husband Happy enjoyed their family and friends and spent much time traveling together. Kay is survived by her loving sister Foy Scott Moser of Mount Airey, NC; twenty nieces and nephews; special extended family Gwen and Grady Davis, three godchildren and five special grandchildren. A Graveside Service to celebrate Kay’s life will be held on Wednesday the 7th of August 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel at Hollywood Cemetery, 412 S. Cherry Street, Richmond, VA 23220. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Chapel. The family would like to say a special thanks to her devoted caregivers Daisy, Julie, Linda, Sharon and Zee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Kay’s memory to Salem Fork Baptist Church, 555 Twin Oaks Rd, Elkin, NC 28621 and Virginia Home for Boys and Girls, 8716 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.