Dreama Ann Bryant

Dreama Gardner Obituary

Rocky Mount

With her devoted family by her side, Dreama “Dee” Gardner, age 84, passed away peacefully late Saturday evening, February 3, 2024 at her home in Rocky Mount, NC.

Dee’s life began in Pulaski, Va. as a daughter born to Clyde and Evelyn Davis Bratton. She grew to become a beloved family treasure as a dedicated wife, loving mother, “Little Granny”, and dear friend to her family and friends who deeply adored her.

Armed with a variety of skills and talents, Dee spent many years in the food service industry, no doubt honing delicious recipes and cooking secrets her family would come to love. She later enjoyed a successful career with Abbott Laboratories and retired following twelve years of service.

Dee loved her family and was BIG on gatherings where she enjoyed cooking many wonderful dishes and making new memories along with sharing older ones. Her faithful poodle, Maggie Girl, held a special place in her heart and remained Dee’s constant companion following the loss of her husband, Ben.

She believed in giving back in life and demonstrated this selflessness as a blood donor, reaching the Red Cross’ Ten Gallon Milestone. Her gifts contributed to the lives and medical treatments of countless others and will always be greatly appreciated.

In addition to her parents, Dee was preceded in death her husband of 30 years, Ben Gardner; daughter, Patricia Joyner; brothers, Clyde Bratton, Jr. and William Bratton and two grandsons, Kelly Waldrop, Jr. and Byron Bales, III.

She leaves a lifetime of cherished memories for her daughters, Charlene Reams, Karen Mckinney, Lynne Bryant (Bobby), all of Rocky Mount and Dina Leonard (Spencer) of Tarboro; sister, Joyce Bratton Pendergrast (Ken) of Mooresville, NC; along with twelve grandchildren and their spouses, thirty-three great-grandchildren and their spouses; two great-great grandsons; and her first great-great granddaughter due in July. She will also be deeply missed by several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Chris & Angela Hicks and Jamie & Cathy Anderson.

A service to remember and celebrate Dee’s wonderful life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 9, 2024 at Christ Covenant Church, 3124 Belmont Lake Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Jay Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 am, and other times at the home of Lynne and Bobby Bryant.

Our family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice of Greenville for their care and compassion for our mother. Ricki, Jackie, Christopher, Akia and the many others that came to care for her were all a blessing to her and us. We are also grateful for other family friends that became caregivers for Dee. Thank you all for your love and care when it was needed the most.