Gay Nell Gardner, lovingly known as "Nana" to her grandchildren, passed away on January 14th 2025. She was born June 6th 1945, to the late John Robert Michaels and Elsie Nell Cornett in Abingdon, Virginia.

Gay was a hard-working woman who loved her family deeply and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her loved ones. She loved country music, being in nature, and Elvis Presley. She worked in numerous factories over her career including Tultex, Bassett Walker, Shenandoah, and Stanley Furniture, from which she retired. In retirement she found joy in thrift shopping, gardening, cooking and sewing; and in her final years she enjoyed reminiscing and watching game shows.

She leaves behind her daughter Karen Garrett, her granddaughter Jennifer Morris (Johnathon), and Great-Grandson Johnathon Morris Jr. (Buggy to his Nana) all of the home, as well as her son Donald Hale (Dawn), grandchildren Christopher Garrett (Lindy), Daniel Hale, and Brittany Sirkel (David), great-grandchildren Mason, Emily, and Addison, as well as lots of extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her 1st husband and father to her children Paul Hale, her 2nd husband Eddie Gardner, 5 brothers William Michaels, Delwood Michaels, Roy Michaels, Bradley Michaels and John Robert Michaels Jr, and 3 sisters Tina Fisher, Charlotte Michaels, and Ella Mae Michaels.

Gay will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her spunk, and ability to brighten a day will not be forgotten. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.  Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home and Burial Park entrusted with arrangements.