Dorothy Hensdale Gardner passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2015.

She was born in Winston Salem on April 5, 1926, the middle of three children born to John and Annie Hensdale. The family eventually moved to Fayetteville, where Dot, like many others in town, worked at "the store" (Belk Hensdale). It was there that she met the love of her life, Jake. The two were married on April 1, 1945 at Hay Street Methodist Church. Dot and Jake were married for 50 years. After Jake passed away in 1996, Dot became active in the Pilot Club, her dinner club, and her Sunday School Class at Hay Street.

Dot is survived by her brother Dick Hensdale of Fayetteville; two sons and their families, John (Lucy) of Camarillo, CA and Wayne (Sue) of Hickory; four grandchildren, Kim Dellacort (Mike), Stuart Gardner (Emily) , Scott Gardner (Emily), Sam Gardner; and eight great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Friday, October 9, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Hay Street Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. in the sanctuary. Following the service Dot will be laid to rest beside her husband Jake at the Lafayette Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to Hay Street Methodist Church, 320 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301.