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. That is when her reign as the "Boss Lady" began. She grew up with her brothers near the old Pleasant Gap Church. Her four brothers-Willis Garrett, Franklin Garrett, Thomas Garrett, and John T. Lawrence-lived with her in a little house alongside their mother, Geraldine Garrett; their grandmother, Luella Garrett; and their uncle, Leon Garrett. Frances came from extremely humble beginnings and was blessed to build a life for herself and those around her. Pleasant Gap is where her giving spirit first began. Frances attended an all-girls high school in Asheville, North Carolina. Allen High School was the only boarding educational institution for young Black women in the region. She later went on to attend college at Daniel Payne in Birmingham, Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. This is where her heart for molding young minds truly came into focus. Frances spent her entire career teaching in the Anniston City School System. She taught at many different elementary schools but retired from Randolph Park Elementary. Her heart was in elementary education, and she primarily taught third grade. Frances remained in the classroom for 39 years. She impacted countless students' lives, and for years, former students would stop her and her family in public to thank her for all she had done for them. Every single time, she would light up with joy. Frances believed in and loved the Lord, and it was evident in the way she cared for people. She showed the love of Jesus through her actions. She had a true caregiver's heart and a giver's spirit. If you needed her, she would find a way to help. She simply showed up. She cared for her students, her four brothers, her mother, her Uncle Leon, all her nieces and nephews, and especially her two girls, FranShay (Kendal) and LaShaunda. Even as her memory declined, she always made sure her family felt loved and cared for. Frances loved her family and those around her, and she showed up for everyone until her last breath. Frances Garrett was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Garrett; brother, Thomas Garrett; and uncle, Leon Garrett. She leaves behind to carry on her memory and legacy-a legacy of showing up and doing for others, her daughters, FranShay Garrett and LaShunda (Lev) Holly; brothers, Willis (Thelma), Franklin Garrett, and John (Debra) Lawrence; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. The Lord has restored her and her full memory. She is resting with sweet Jesus. Free at last.

Tributes

Frances O Garrett

August 5, 1944 - December 2, 2025