A funeral service for Mildred McMillan Garrett, 96, of Emory, was held on August 29 at Believers’ Baptist Church. Pastor W.R. Byrd officiated.
Interment followed in Hopewell Cemetery.
Mrs. Garrett died August 21, 2020. She was born to Callie Jackson and Jewell Hobert McMillan in Emory on September 5, 1923. Upon the death of her mother, she stepped up as a surrogate for her younger siblings and was especially fond of baby brother S.J. Therefore, she was well prepared when she became the mother of five boys and a grandson.
Her quest for knowledge began at the Sand Flat School where she learned the value of education and became a lifelong learner. She had dreams of becoming a journalist. She married David Garrett and their marriage lasted over sixty years.
Her membership at the Prairie Grove Missionary Baptist Church spanned over 90 years. She loved her church and her pastor whom she regarded as one of her boys. She held numerous leadership positions in the church. Her last one was President of the Prairie Grove Missionary Baptist Church/ Hopewell Cemeteries Association. She served diligently and faithfully in all positions until her health failed.
Mrs. Garrett is survived by sons James Bates Sr. and wife Marcia of Eagle Point, Ore., David and wife Clemmie of Hurst, Howard and wife Glenda of Emory, Delenis and wife Nikita of Tyler, Thomas and wife Dentra of Mesquite, and Undray Smallwood and wife Misty of Emory; along with a host of loving grandchildren, great-grands, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings.
Arrangements were under the direction of Cozine & Tarver Funeral Home.