Frances O Garrett

Frances Oceal Garrett was born on August 5, 1944, in Cherokee County, Alabama. She was the oldest of five siblings-and the only girl-marking the beginning of her reign as the family's beloved "Boss Lady." She grew up near the old Pleasant Gap Church alongside her four brothers-Willis Garrett, Franklin Garrett, Thomas Garrett, and John T. Lawrence-in a small home they shared with their mother, Gearldine Garrett; grandmother, Luella Garrett; and uncle, Leon Garrett. Though she came from humble beginnings, Frances was blessed to build a life grounded in love, generosity, and service to others. Pleasant Gap is where her giving spirit first took root. Frances attended Allen High School in Asheville, North Carolina-an all-girls boarding school and the only institution of its kind in the region dedicated to educating young Black women. She later continued her education at Daniel Payne College in Birmingham, Alabama, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. It was during this time that her passion for shaping young minds began to blossom. Frances devoted her entire professional life to the Anniston City School System. Over the course of 39 years, she taught in several elementary schools and ultimately retired from Randolph Park Elementary. Her heart was deeply invested in elementary education, and she spent most of her career teaching third grade. Through the decades, she touched countless lives-so many that former students frequently stopped her and her family in public just to thank her for the impact she had made. Each time, she would light up with unmistakable joy. Frances believed wholeheartedly in the Lord, and her faith was evident in the way she lived and cared for others. She demonstrated the love of Jesus through her actions-always giving, always helping, always showing up. She carried a true caregiver's heart. If you needed her, she would find a way to be there. She cared for her students, her four brothers, her mother, Uncle Leon, all her nieces and nephews, and especially her two girls, FranShay (Kendal) and LaShaunda. Even as her memory declined, her instinct to love, nurture, and protect never faded. She showed up for her family-and for anyone who needed her-until her very last breath. Frances Garrett was preceded in death by her mother, Gearldine Garrett; her brother, Thomas Garrett; and her uncle, Leon Garrett. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love, service, and showing up for others. Cherishing her memory are her daughters, FranShay Garrett and LaShaunda (Lev) Holly; her brothers, Willis (Thelma) Garrett, Franklin Garrett, and John T. (Debra) Lawrence; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends. The Lord has restored her-mind, body, and spirit. She is fully whole again and resting safely in the arms of sweet Jesus.Free at last.

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Frances O Garrett

August 5, 1944 - December 2, 2025