Onlee Joyce (Wright) Garrett

Onlee Joyce Wright Garrett, age 89, of Helenwood, passed away peacefully at her home Monday evening, Sept. 9, 2024.  Born March 21, 1935, she was one of 11 children of Rev. Hobert and Rosia Jane Branim Wright. She grew up on Grassy Knob near Robbins, a place and time she referred to fondly throughout her life. Late in life, she wrote a book, “Sunshine in the Shadows,” detailing life on Grassy Knob.

After first attending school at Black Creek, she graduated from Robbins High School in 1953 as salutatorian of her class. That same month she married Clifford Garrett, of Honey Creek. They were married nearly 69 years and raised four children together, had 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.  She spent much of her life as a supportive pastor’s wife, taught Sunday school, and babysat her grandchildren. She was known for keeping an immaculate house, and patiently playing games and baking with her grandkids. She was also known for her crafting and sewing skills. She sold handmade crafts at Historic Rugby for several years, and also operated a quilt shop out of the basement of her home.

In addition to her parents, Onlee was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Garrett; son, Larry Garrett; daughter, Kathy Lawson; siblings, Marie Byrd and husband Hubert, Aree Blevins and husband Columbus, Flonnie Blevins and husband William, Hazel Debord and husband Bob, Flora Terry and husband Clyde, Ruth Ainsworth, Wanda Compton, Lois Smith, Kenneth Wright, Casto Wright and wife Shirley, and infant Linda Wright; father- and mother-in-law, Clayton and Flonnie Goad Garrett; brother-in-law, Stanford Garrett; and sister-in-law, Thelma Terry and husband Milford.

She is survived by her sons, Rick Garrett and wife Helen of Robbins, and Tim Garrett and wife Dodie of Morristown, TN; daughter-in-law, Diana Garrett of Robbins; son-in-law, Dexter Lawson of Robbins; grandchildren: Ben Garrett and wife Melanie, Jeremiah Garrett and wife Allison, Daniel Garrett and Alison Jeffers, Rebecca Blevins and husband David, Brandon Garrett and wife Kimberly, Kristi Sharpe and husband Justin, Adam Garrett and wife Courtney, Aaron Garrett and wife Tiffany, Jonathan Lawson and wife Sara, and Nathan Lawson; great-grandchildren: Toby, Rachel and Cooper Garrett, Ruger and Remington Garrett, Paisley Garrett, Rory, RaeLynne and Davin Blevins, Clifford Rhett Garrett, Matthan and Thea Sharpe, Kennedy Garrett, Tucker and Grayson Garrett, and Jacob and Asher Lawson and Evan Prince; brothers-in- law: Guy Ainsworth and Bill Smith; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Quality Hospice nurses Brenda Smith and Renae, as well as caregivers Delores Dearman, Anita Craig, Tabi Smith, Joyce Smith and Marva Hatfield.

Friends may visit with the family in the Chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, from 1 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. with Bro. Jeff Davis officiating. Committal service will follow at Black Creek Cross Roads Cemetery in Robbins. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Onlee Joyce Wright Garrett.

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