We honor the memory and celebrate the life of Nina Beth Gardner Talbot. Nina, or to those who knew her the longest, Nina Beth, was called home to Jesus on January 14, 2024. She was everything to her daughter, Sydney Elizabeth Talbot, for the 25 years they had together.

Nina was born on November 28, 1956 in Houston, Texas to S.D. and Twyla Gardner. She was followed in birth by her sister Rebecca “Becky” Gardner Purcell, and her brother David Gardner. Her PaPaw lovingly nicknamed her ‘Sputnik’. Her family was filled with grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who surrounded her with love and nurturing during her childhood.

She went to Smiley High School 1972-1974, and graduated from Humble High School in 1975. While in high school, she excelled and flourished as a cheerleader. She continued her studies at Sam Houston State University and University of Houston before entering the workforce.

Nina and Johnny Talbot met in 1997 while working at American Freightways, and married later that same year on October 12. After moving to Magnolia, Nina, who struggled with conceiving children in previous marriages, had her only daughter, Sydney Elizabeth Talbot, in June 1998.

Nina was a stay-at-home mom for three years. She then worked in Accounts Receivable at Canrig Drilling Technologies from 2001-2003. After 2003, she worked as the Office Manager for the family business, Apache Pest Control, that her father founded the year she was born. Through her work calling customers, setting work, and helping service the Greater Houston Area, Nina got to know and build relationships with customers from all walks of life. It brought her great joy to listen to people’s stories, to share in their joys, and to help carry their sorrows. After hers and Johnny’s divorce, Nina and Sydney moved to Kingwood in 2010. As a single mom, Nina bought a house in 2011 – a feat of which she was rightfully proud. She retired from her job at Apache Pest Control in the Fall of 2022.

She loved a good story, either told in person or shown on the screen. She found joy and pride in her extended family, and looked forward to the family reunions – some of which she managed for many years. Her daughter, nieces, and nephews could always find comfort in her warm hugs, her back tickles, or a cold drink from her cup. Nina was an amazing friend who would keep you on the phone for hours that felt like minutes. She was the best mother her daughter could have asked for. Her laugh was contagious, her sass was endearing, and when she shot you “The Look”, you were filled with the warmth of being in on the joke.

Nina is survived by her daughter, Sydney Talbot; her mother, Twyla Gardner; her brother, David Gardner (Pamela Gardner); her niece, Alyssa Gardner; her nephew, Adam Gardner (Demi Gardner); her brother-in-law Ken Purcell; her niece, Laura Nielsen (Gerry Nielsen); her great- nephews, Gunner and Hunter Nielsen; her niece, Caroline Purcell; her nephew, Clint Purcell; her great-niece, Aurora Purcell; numerous other family members and close friends.

Nina was preceded in death by her father S.D. Gardner, her sister Becky Gardner Purcell, and many other family members who she has met at the gates of Heaven in a most joyous reunion.