We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:8

Rebecca Prioleau Gardner-Crawford, was born on July 3, 1927 in Pineville, SC, She was a daughter of the late George Prioleau and Minnie Gadsden Prioleau,  She departed this life on October 20, 2019 in Charleston, SC.

Rebecca received her education in the public schools of Berkeley County, SC. She was employed as a Sales Manager at the St. Stephen Five and Dime Store. She also a substitute teacher in the Berkeley County School District.

Rebecca was united in holy matrimony to Ellis Gardner. Their union was blessed with two daughters.

She was a member of Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church, Pineville, SC.

Rebecca believed that family is one of God's greatest blessing, and she graciously took excellent care of her family by providing a college education for both of her daughters and raising three grandchildren. She made sure that everyone had whatever they needed to be successful in life. She instilled in them the value of family and the importance of taking care of family. She was a loving woman and shared her love for others by being a foster parent to numerous children.

Rebecca 's favorite color was red. She loved her cars, especially the blue and white LTD that she owned. She enjoyed gardening and music. She will be remembered for her loving smile and her special way of telling everyone that she loved them.

Her loving memory will always be cherished by: her daughters, Lydia Gardner and Marilyn (Jesse James) Sumpter; three grandchildren, Jermaine Gardner, James E. (Samone) Sumpter and Ashley (Dennis) Burgess; six great-grandchildren, Shiloh V. Stevens-Gardner, Mya A. Sumpter, Malachi A. Sumpter, Mikayla A. Sumpter, Alysha Burgess and Dexter Burgess; brother, Junior (Albertha) Prioleau; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis Gardner;  and siblings, Louis Prioleau, Georgianna Dawson and JK Prioleau.

Her Home Going Service will be held Friday, October 25, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church, 2173 Highway 45, Pineville, SC.  Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Viewing will be Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gethers St. Stephen Chapel, 221 Church Road, St. Stephen, SC.