Mildred Brown Gardner, 86, widow of William V. Gardner, died Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at her home. Born September 23, 1934, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Clifton J. Brown and the late Dora Yates Brown. She was a member of Harmony Church and retired from Brody’s Department Store. Survivors include two daughters, Paula Mixon Springston (Gary) of Batesburg and Phyllis Mixon Jewell (Winston) of Sumter; five grandchildren, Kelsey Springston, Bradley Springston, Tanner Springston, Cameron Young (Whitney), and Lindsey Young Ward (Dylan); a great-grandchild, Mallory Ward; brothers, Cliff Brown (Marion), J.B. Brown, Dane Brown (Ruth), and J.W. Brown (Judy); and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by siblings, Lora Jordan, Herbert Brown, Edward Brown, and Doris Caldwell. A graveside service will be held at 2 P.M. Friday in the Sumter Cemetery with the Rev. Lee Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of McLeod Hospice for all of their loving care and compassion. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd., Suite L., Anderson, SC 29621. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.