Carolyn Lee Austin Gardner as of June 16, 2026, I am now with my Lord and Savior!!!! Can I hear an AMEN!!!!!! I was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 2, 1942. I was preceded in death by my mother, Elsie Lee Bazemore Austin, and my father, Henry Belk Austin.

I worked for RMC (Milliken) for 40 years, spending 25 years in Cost Accounting and 15 years in Financial Reporting. I have GREAT kids whom I love with all my heart and soul: James (Jay) Fuller Gardner, Jr.; Daniel (Danny) Henry Gardner; Stacy Lee Gardner Campbell (Todd); and Steven George Gardner (Joel). I also dearly love my grandchildren: Taylor David Campbell (Brad), Jana Lee Campbell Lanzarin (Nickolas), and Deziree Lynette Gardner.

I am also survived by my sister-in-law, Audrey Austin, who was married to my late brother, William. I leave behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. My special niece, Catherine Ann Bennett, was also my QVC buddy.

I was preceded in death by my children’s father, James Fuller Gardner, Sr., as well as all of my siblings: my brothers, Edward Franklin Austin and William Henry Austin; and my sisters, Clara Virginia “Sis” Austin, Anne Mae Austin Bennett, and June Marie Austin LeDrew. My beloved companion, Nolan R. Hart, Sr., also went before me.

My celebration of life service will be held at Floyd’s of Boiling Springs Chapel, 4161 Highway 9, Boiling Springs, SC 29316 on Tuesday June 23, 2026 at 2:00 pm o’clock Pastor Mitch Edge of Parkway Free Will Baptist Church will officiate the service. Private Burial at Boiling Springs Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303, in memory of Carolyn.