Barbara Jean Garrett

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Barbara Jean Garrett, lovingly known as “Sis, Bobbie and Granny Barbara” entered peacefully into eternal rest on November 12, 2025. A devoted Christian, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Barbara’s life was marked by compassion, faith, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

Born on December 27, 1937, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Millard and Verna Harris. She graduated from the Lincoln Heights School System in 1955, where she excelled both academically and in extracurricular activities. A natural leader, she served as captain of the women’s basketball team and was the proud drum majorette of the school band.

Raised in a home grounded in Christian faith, Barbara’s spiritual foundation guided her throughout her life. After graduating from high school, she attended North Carolina A&T State University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She became the second of the Harris children to graduate from college, setting a powerful example of perseverance and achievement.

Barbara began her nursing career in Williamson, West Virginia, and later traveled to the West Coast, working in several hospitals before returning to the East Coast. Upon settling in Washington, D.C., she found her spiritual home at Fort Foote Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for many years. Throughout her time there, Barbara was active in various church ministries, offering her time, talents, and steadfast faith to support the church community.

In Washington, D.C., Barbara also met the love of her life, Paul Edward Garrett, a fellow employee at Saint Elizabeths Psychiatric Hospital. Their union was blessed with one son, Paul Andre Garrett, and a bonus daughter, Melody Ann Garrett whom she warmly welcomed into their family unit. Barbara’s long and distinguished career at Saint Elizabeths culminated in her role as Supervisor of Nursing, a position she held until her retirement in 2001.

Family meant everything to Barbara. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister who attended annual Harris and Garrett family reunions with enthusiasm and joy. Her circle of close friends, Barbara Saxton, Beverly Griffis and Anne Johnson enriched her life with travel, laughter, and companionship. Together they explored the Caribbean—both by air and by cruise—bowled regularly and enjoyed many spirited games of Scrabble and cards.

Known for her generosity and kind heart, Barbara never hesitated to open her home to those in need. She remembered every birthday, celebrated every milestone, and made each person she loved feel uniquely cherished.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Millard Harris, Allen Harris, sister Veronica Jones, daughter Michele Devonne Watkins and loving husband, Paul Edward Garrett, and several dear childhood friends and family members.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her sister; Janice Harris of Richmond, Virginia, her son; Paul Andre Garrett (Lori) of Waldorf, Maryland, her daughter; Melody Garrett of National Harbor, Maryland, her grandchildren; Travia Watkins (Gabriella), Nicklaus Watkins, Deandre Garrett, and Kofi Carter, the lights of her life, great-grandchildren; Javier, Juliette, Adeara, Nova, Travis Jr., Jonah, and a hose of extended family members, friends, church companions, and loved ones whose lives she touched with warmth, faith and grace

Barbara Jean “Sis” Garrett will be remembered as a trailblazer, a nurturer, a joyful spirit, and a woman of deep and abiding faith. Her legacy of love, generosity, and service will forever live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. May she rest in eternal peace.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Sunday November 23, 2025, at New Damascus Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Knoxx officiating. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:30 PM prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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