Pearl Elaine Marable Garmon, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab. She was born in Miller Grove, Texas, on February 10, 1930, to Champ H. and Edith Fisher Marable. Elaine attended Miller Grove School and graduated in 1946 at the age of 16. She was a member of the 1946 MG Girls Basketball team that qualified for the state tournament; the team only lost 6 games that year and won 4 tournaments. Upon graduation she enrolled in East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce, Texas.
On February 28, 1948, Elaine married Frank R. Garmon, Jr., at the parsonage of the First Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs. They raised five children and were married for almost 55 years before Frank’s passing in 2003. In the summer of 1963, after having her fifth child, she resumed her college classes. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1965, and her Master of Education degree in 1968. Over the course of 31 years, Elaine taught at Saltillo, Sulphur Springs, and Miller Grove school districts, most of her time being spent as a first grade teacher. She taught English and reading for other grades, specialized in English as a Second Language, and sponsored the Gifted and Talented Program. She also served for several years as Principal for Miller Grove and Saltillo schools. Elaine received multiple awards throughout her career, including Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Elementary Teacher. She loved all of her students, and they were very fond of her as well.
After retiring from education, Elaine spent much of her time with family and taking care of her farm animals. She owned cows, goats, chickens, and just about everything in between, but her favorite animals were her beloved miniature horses. There was nothing that made Elaine happier than her family and her animals. She was quoted saying, “Kids and animals are natural; there is no pretense. I have my kids at school during the week. On the weekend I have my farm, my family, and my animals. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Elaine was very involved in her community throughout her life. She served in the Lake Country CASA organization, the Miller Grove Cemetery Association, and she was an active member of the Sulphur Springs First Presbyterian Church. She lived a life of service and always put others above herself.
Elaine is survived by her son Rick Garmon of Miller Grove, son Kenny Garmon and wife Nelda of Saltillo, daughter Kathy Steele and husband Chris of Miller Grove, daughter Lisa Ali and husband Khalid of Rapid City, SD, and daughter-in-law Brenda Garmon of Saltillo. Also surviving is sister-in-law Helen Marable of Jacksonville. Grandchildren surviving are Rusty and Jay Garmon of Saltillo, Angie Pipkin and husband Patrick of Saltillo, Ryan Garmon and wife Cassie of Saltillo, Colin Garmon of Saltillo, Nolan Garmon and wife Kylie of Sulphur Springs, Robert Goldsmith of Sulphur Springs, William and J.J. Steele of Miller Grove, Andrew Steele of Phoenix, AZ, Kelsey Covington and husband Patrick of Miller Grove, and Zachary Ali of Rapid City, SD. Great-grandchildren surviving are Maysen and Kenzi Pipkin of Saltillo, and Nate and Eli Garmon of Saltillo. Elaine is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Bill Marable, and son Kerry Garmon.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 30, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at West Oaks Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at the Miller Grove Cemetery on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at 2 p.m. with Charles Moore officiating. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sulphur Springs First Presbyterian Church or to the Miller Grove Cemetery Association c/o Carol Dunn, 14280 FM 1567 W, Cumby, TX 75433. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneral home.com.
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