Obituary of Patsy Anne Garrett

Patsy Anne Bartlett Garrett was born in Powhatan, VA, on January 13, 1952, to James and Martha Harris Bartlett. Patsy grew up in Powhatan County, surrounded by a close-knit family and a community that felt like family. From a young age, she was an active member of Hollywood Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Junior Missionary leader, vacation Bible school organizer, and in many other cherished roles. Patsy’s warmth and unwavering faith in others drew both children and adults into church activities, inspiring many to join the Christmas pageant or Sunday School union. She had a remarkable gift for making people believe they would succeed, even when they weren’t sure themselves.

Patsy was educated in the Powhatan County Public Schools and was a member of the first racially integrated class at Powhatan High School and would tell anyone who would listen that she should have been the valedictorian. After high school, she attended Virginia Union University, where she was a member of a host of organizations, including Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and graduated in 1974 with a degree in Elementary Education. She returned to Powhatan to begin a lifelong career in education.

Shortly after college, Patsy was introduced by her friend Juanita to her cousin, Joe. Patsy thought the man from Goochland was cute but a terrible dresser. Soon, Joseph Edward Garrett Jr.’s good heart outshone any questionable fashion choices, and the two married at Hollywood Baptist Church on September 24, 1977. Together, they raised their family in Powhatan County and later in life Patsy joined Joe at Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a deacon.

Beyond her devotion to family, Patsy was a dedicated educator. She began her career in Powhatan County Public Schools and continued teaching for more than a decade before joining Richmond Public Schools in 1986, teaching at E.S.H. Greene Elementary and later at Miles Jones Elementary. Her passion for her students extended beyond the classroom. She was honored as Teacher of the Year at least three times and ensured her students had necessities, like food, toiletries, even providing Christmas gifts when needed. She believed God placed her in the lives of children to help them achieve their full potential.

Patsy believed thriving schools required good teachers. She mentored many young educators, always willing to offer guidance on teaching principles, behavior management, or work-life balance. She retired in 2010, but her legacy lives on in the countless students and colleagues who were touched by her kindness and wisdom.

Patsy Anne Bartlett Garrett departed this life on October 25, 2024. Patsy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Joe; her father, James Edward Bartlett; and her mother, Martha Ellen Harris Bartlett. She leaves behind to honor and uphold her memory her two daughters, Lateisha (Matthew) and Stephanie (Kimberly); her sister, Mary Ellen Lee; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Garrett-Holland (Glenn); her brother-in-law, Vernon Garrett Sr. (Margie); as well as a large, loving family of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Patsy’s life was centered on her deep faith and the power of prayer. Until ailments wouldn’t allow it, she knelt by her bedside to pray for the Lord’s guidance for herself, her family, and her students. Patsy passed peacefully, surrounded by her beloved daughters, with a firm belief in salvation and everlasting life through Jesus Christ. Her family takes comfort in 1 Peter 5:10: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”