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Obituaries

Obituary for Arlene Williams Garrett Arlene Williams Garrett
Buena Vista Registrar Was Former School Board Chairman, Lee's Carpets Employee

Arlene Williams Garrett, 73, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2015, following a wonderful evening with her loving husband, C. William Garrett.

Born July 1, 1942, Arlene was the daughter of James Edward and Marie Lackey Williams.

She was graduated from Parry McCluer High School, Class of 1960, and married William on November 24 of the same year.

For many years, Arlene was employed by Lees Carpets in Glasgow. With her family, she owned and operated Four Seasons Florist and Gifts for 26 years. The past 14 years, Arlene served the public as voter registrar for the City of Buena Vista, and when certification to these positions became available, she achieved that recognition.

Arlene's passion for education, especially the Buena Vista City Public Schools, led her to join the PTA and become a room mother. She was appointed a member of the School Board. When elected school boards were adopted in Virginia, Arlene stood for election and was honored to be voted into office on the Buena Vista School Board. She has served as vice-chairman and as chairman of the Board. During her tenure, the current Parry McCluer High School building was approved and constructed.

With her husband and family, Arlene would often be among the dedicated fan base cheering on the Blues. She enjoyed following teams of Fighting Blues and Lady Blues to football, basketball, and baseball and softball games. For home games, she typically climbed the bleachers to the top row for a better view of the games and fellow fans.

Arlene engaged with a number of civic groups in efforts to enhance community life. She assisted with the City's Centennial in 1992 and supported the Paxton House Historical Society. She regularly donated blood through the Red Cross. She joined the Junior Woman's Club in the early 1960s and continued, with many of her Junior friends, to active membership in the Woman's Club, continuing until her untimely passing.

Arlene treasured time with family and friends. She enjoyed hosting gatherings, small and large, in the family home. She found cooking and baking to be both relaxing and a means of celebrating the highs and lows of life, often gifting birthday cakes or pies to co-workers and bringing dishes to those sick or grieving. Her holiday presents of fresh apple cakes were a delight to recipients.

Faith formed the foundation of Arlene's life, and rooted her in a lifetime of service. A lifelong member of Buena Vista Presbyterian Church, Arlene raised her family in the congregation there. She held a number of positions in Presbyterian Woman and delighted in gathering with the Circle to share Bible study and fellowship. Arlene was elected an elder, a representative to Presbytery meetings, and a delegate to the 2002 General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. She served as Clerk of the Session.

Arlene determined from an early age that dedicated attendance in worship, Sunday school, and the life of the church would allow God to act on her and through her. The congregation joined to celebrate with her in 1998 when she reached a milestone - 50 years of perfect Sunday school attendance. Such numbers were not as important to Arlene as the friends she walked with on the journey of faith. She continued as a member of the LaVera Davis Class, attending weekly and followed by worship.

Second only to faith was her love of family. In addition to William, her husband, Arlene's family includes daughters Deborah Marie and Betty Jo, her son William Clay and Charlotte, his wife. She is also survived by James Thomas Preston Garrett, her grandson. Her extended family includes aunts, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. She would also say her family included the girls from Four Seasons, and the many young people she has watched grow into adulthood alongside her own children.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Harrison Funeral Home. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be conducted on Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m. in Buena Vista Presbyterian Church, corner of 24th and Chestnut Avenue.

To best remember Arlene, friends are encouraged to worship as they are called. Memorial contributions may be made to Buena Vista Presbyterian Church, the Buena Vista Rescue Squad, the Buena Vista City Public Schools scholarship fund, or a charity of the giver's choice.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.