Kay Carrington Gardner

March 17, 2020
Kay Carrington Gardner

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Kay Carrington Gardner, born July 21, 1945 at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News VA, a graduate of Ferguson High School, died in her Williamsburg home on March 17th, 2020. She is proceeded in death by her son Robert Curtis Parker, her husbands Abraham Gardner and Henry Sheldon, her brother Carl W. Nettles II and her parents Carl W. Nettles and Irma Carrington Evans.

Kay loved the ocean and the Hampton Roads area but spent much of her life traveling the world with friends and family. She worked side by side with her former husband Hank in managing Sheldon Motors where she oversaw the operations of the Jartran truck rental business that transitioned into Hertz Penske truck rentals which ranked #5 in the nation. Continuing her entrepreneurship endeavors, she partnered with Hank and created a business consulting group, Trivets, and assisted in the expansion of The Disabled American Veterans Thrift Stores in the Hampton Roads area. Many years after Hank’s passing, on a trip to Turkey, she met her last love, Abe. They spent many fun-filled years together enjoying all that this life had to offer.

She was a lady with gracious southern charm, a loving mother and a steadfast friend. Those who knew her would certainly agree that she was also a force of nature who exhibited generosity, kindness and a concern for others. She was an avid volunteer with local Alzheimer’s groups, giving to others in need through national and local charities, a contributor of the arts and a woman of faith. She was also a big supporter of the local business economy in Williamsburg through her love of shopping.

She is survived by her daughter Ashlie Carrington Parker and husband Charles Slepicka of Illinois, her granddog Hershey of Williamsburg and Beauxregard of Illinois, her stepchildren Laura Huben of North Carolina, Brooke Gardner and wife Jodi Spragins of Pennsylvania, Alan Gardner and wife Gwen of North Carolina, Rick Gardner and wife Marilyn of California, her stepson Keith Sheldon of Virginia, and Michael Sheldon of Alabama and a host of grandchildren including Amanda, Kelly and Paige Huben, Meredith Smith, Drew, Ainsley, and Anna Gardner and Christina and Michael Sheldon, and great grandchildren Luke Smith and Christian and Zachary Sheldon.

Visitation is to take place at Bucktrout Funeral Home on Monday, March 23rd from 4 to 7 PM. Because of the current world health crisis, there will be protocols in place to ensure the safety of all who choose to visit with her.

Services will take place at a date to be determined but will of course be a true celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart and Lung Foundations as well as the Alzheimer’s Foundation.


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  • March 21, 2020
    Cindy L Freeman says:
    Kay has been our nextdoor neighbor for 2 1/2 years. We quickly grew to love her ready smile and positive attitude amid her serious health conditions. An extrovert, she was always ready to go somewhere and be with people. My hsuband got to know her better than I did because he took care of her mail, newspaper, trash and recycling. She never failed to express her gratitude. We will miss her. Rest in peace, Kay. We offer our deepest sympathy to her family and her many loving friends in the Villas. If it weren't for the coronavirus quarantine, we would attend her viewing.

  • March 21, 2020
    Carolyn Yowell says:
    Kay was such a loving care partner and advocate for all families dealing with dementia. She accepted challenges readily, made those around her feel loved, and showed empathy to all. Rest In Peace Kay.

  • March 22, 2020
    Barbara A Faubert says:
    The Angels and all the company of Heaven welcome Kay into the Kingdom of God. She is in good hands now and reunited with those dear to her during her life time. I offer my condolences to her friends and family. May she rest in peace.

  • March 22, 2020
    Teresa Nettles says:
    Kay always treated me with love and as part of her family. Justin, Lauren, and Brandee lost a beautiful Aunt. They were all very sad to learn of her passing. Prayers to all!

  • March 22, 2020
    Millie Eggleston says:
    Kay reached out to me shortly after I lost my husband. We were acquaintances before that time but became good friends afterwards. We went to lunch, attempted cooking together and watched Netflix movies together. As her ability to get out decreased we maintained contact through phone calls. You fought the good fight my friend. I will miss you. Rest In Peace.