LuAnn (Yow) Gardner

LuAnn Gardner, lovingly known as MaYa and Nanny LuAnn, age 71 of Southern Pines, passed away Monday, April 6th, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00am at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.

LuAnn was born in Randolph County on October 18th, 1954, to the late Benford Yow and Peggy Williams Cranford.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy Yow. 

She is survived by her husband, Steve Gardner; daughter, Michelle Yow-Shaw (Tonia) of Southern Pines; brother, Larry Cook (Kimberly) of Virginia, and her constant companion yorkies, Ziva and Benny. 

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we honor the memory of a truly remarkable woman—a beloved mother, wife and friend, whose love knew no bounds and whose kindness touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was the heart of her family. Her love was gentle yet strong, expressed in quiet sacrifices, warm embraces, and countless acts of care that often went unnoticed but were deeply felt.

She had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and cherished.  She taught by example showing what it means to be compassionate, resilient, and selfless. The values she instilled will live on through her daughter and all those whose lives she impacted.

Though words can never fully capture the depth of her love or the magnitude of her presence, her legacy is written in the lives she nurtured and the love she gave so freely. She will be profoundly missed, forever remembered, and always held close in our hearts.

May you rest peacefully. Your love remains with us—guiding, comforting, and enduring beyond time.

Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Cox Memorial..."Serving GOD, by serving families in a time of need."

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