Helen Elizabeth Steen Gardner

Chesterfield, SC

Mrs. Helen Elizabeth Steen Gardner, age 87, entered into rest on Friday, February 28, 2025 at her home. A graveside funeral service will be 10:00 AM on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Cedar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery by Pastor Scott Wallace. Family and friends are welcome to visit the family at Mrs. Helen’s home, (2108 Hunts Mill Road, Chesterfield).

Mrs. Gardner was born on June 14, 1937 in Hartsville, SC, a daughter of the late William “Boss” and Ada Griggs Steen. Mrs. Helen worked at the sowing factory in Chesterfield for many years and loved going to auctions, flea markets, and yard sales; especially to the Darlington and Mt. Croghan Flea Markets. She was nicknamed the “Pot and Pans Lady” because she would often buy and restore old pots and pans to resell. She had the touch that could make the pots and pans look brand new. Mrs. Gardner loved having get-togethers at her home, where all were welcome. She had a big, playful heart. Mrs. Helen would never allow anyone at her home to go hungry! Of course, her family would fight over her banana pudding and macaroni and cheese. She loved to hear the sound of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren running around outside and loved to see big appetites at the dinner table. “Ma Helen” always had a cabinet full of “Little Debbie” Cakes and sweet tea in the fridge. She was a fiery redhead that made her husband of 65 years fall in “like” love with her. Mrs. Gardner was a member of Cross Branch Baptist Church. 

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gardner was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Brooks “Pete” Gardner, Sr., son, William “Bouger” Gardner, siblings, Lois Jones, Jack Steen, Larry Steen and Loudoris Mier. 

Survivors include her children, Ada G. Purvis of Chesterfield, SC; Brooks “Pete” (Donna) Gardner Jr. of Pensacola, FL; Mattie May Sanchse (Chris) of Pheonix, AZ; Grandchildren, Larry Purvis, Andrew (Mary) Purvis, Danny, Sissy, Ben (Faith), Ty (Shandace), Brooke (Ashtyn), Melissa (Robert), Myranda (Cody); Great-grandchildren, Josh (Samantha) Savannah, Gabby, Alexis, Zechariah, Gracie, Everett, Jake, Natalie, Linsey, Rylee, Sarah-Alice, Callie, Max, Ramsey, Paxton, Palmer; 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice. 

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Gardner family.