Helen Garvin Garrison was born on March 1, 1951 in Allendale, South Carolina to the late Agnes Riddle. She was raised in Jacksonville, Florida guided by the loving hands of the late Essie Lee and Ollie Garvin.
Helen graduated from Eugene Butler High School in 1969. She went on to work in the office of a local Duval County public school and then began a lengthy career with Sears Roebuck and Co. in the Human Resources Department. Her loving, yet stern guidance directed the careers of so many whose lives she poured into during her 35 - year tenure. After retiring from Sears, Helen continued to provide her steadfast love instructing children as an AmeriCorps volunteer at Ramona Boulevard Elementary and S.A. Hull Elementary schools, working primarily with kindergarteners.
Helen was respected and revered wherever she went and was affectionately referred to as “Mama Garrison” and “Mama G” because of the way she doted on those around her. Helen was known as one of the best cooks and bakers around and shared her talents through organizing dinners at her home for family and friends. She received great pleasure from baking and sharing her homemade cakes, pies, and cookies as away to celebrate with or console friends and family. A strong woman of faith, Helen was a member of the Titus Harvest Dome and later began to worship at The First Baptist Church of Oakland with her family and friends.
Helen was the embodiment of love. She walked this life’s journey in grace and she leaves a lasting legacy through her devoted daughters, Latasha and Michele Garrison and her beloved grandchildren Zoie Helena and Garrison Joseph Fullwood, who captured her heart. She leaves to cherish her memory Aunt’s Estelle Brown ——, Lula Harley and Mary Riddle; ssisters Marie Hildreth, Mary Smith, Dorothy Roberts and Rosa Lee Anthony and her brothers, John Crumley (Geri)y, James Crumley (Demetrice) and Joseph Garvin Willie Bell, as well as Tyrone McCloud whom she loved like a son. Her brothers and sisters of the Maner Family from South Carolina; Frank (Queen) Maner, Richard (Elouise) Maner, Margaret Maner, Eugene (Alma) Maner, Alphia (Michael) Dunbar, Donald (Dot) Maner, Ronald (Sheila) Maner, Colvin Maner, Vivian Maner, Deshawn Maner as well as family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends were near and dear to her and she will be missed by all those whose lives she touched.
The funeral service for Helen Garrison will be held 12:00 pm Friday, November 9th, 2018 at the First Baptist of Oakland 1025 Jessie Street Jacksonville, FL 32206. The visitation will be 5:00 pm 7:00 pm , Thursday, November 8th, 2018 at the First Baptist of Oakland 1025 Jessie Street Jacksonville, FL 32206. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234
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