Mrs. Lydia F. (Frasier) Gardner was born on February 13, 1902 at 441 Nicholson Street in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her father was Dennis J. Frasier, born February 9, 1867 in James City County. Mr. Frasier worked at the C&O Train Station for over 30 years. Her mother, Mrs. Nannie Ashby Frasier, was born on March 20, 1869 on Nicholson Street in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her paternal grandfather was Robert Frasier from Gloucester County. Her maternal grandparents were John and Jane Ashby, who together had six daughters and one son.

Mrs. Lydia (Frasier) Gardner married Mr. Clifton E. Gardner, Sr. (1900-1989), also from Williamsburg, Virginia. Together, they had five children, Clifton E. Gardner, Jr., Dennis F. Gardner, Audrey E. Gardner, Charles G. Gardner, and Christine J. (Gardner) Jordan.

Mrs. Gardner attended the First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia where she was involved in the Women’s Auxiliary and the History Committee. She also completed three years of college education at a time when access to higher education was limited for Black women.