complications associated with a re-occurrence of cancer. She was 76.

Known by friends as Jean, Mrs. Garrett was born on Feb. 3, 1937, in Hot Springs, Ark., to Todd Earl Simpson and Earlene Simpson. She attended Langston High School, of Hot Springs and graduated in 1955.

In 1959, Jean received a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., where she also minored in music. She later attended Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo., where she received a master’s degree in music education.

While at Lincoln University, Jean met Silas Grifton Garrett, and the couple were married on June 10, 1961 in Wichita, Kan. Jean and Silas had two daughters, Celeste Garrett, of Chicago, Ill., and Dionne Garrett-Castor, of Honolulu, Hawaii. The couple also briefly lived in Centerville, Ill., before settling in Ferguson, Mo.

Jean began her teaching career in Kansas, and in 1964 launched a lengthy career with East St. Louis School District No. 189 as a teacher. She retired from the district as a music supervisor in 1994.

Mrs. Garrett was an ardent supporter of her daughters’ activities, including their educational pursuits as well as their participation in the arts, athletics and various other endeavors. In her later years, she maintained a similar focus on her grandchildren.

A member of Zion Lutheran Church, of Ferguson, Mo., since 1971, Jean was an active
participant in the community, supporting various social causes. She was a member of the St. Louis chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), Inc., a humanitarian organization whose founding was prompted by a White House luncheon hosted by then-First Lady Ladybird Johnson. Jean served as TLOD president from 1995 to 1999 and chaired its Anniversary Scholarship Committee. She also was a recipient of the TLOD Top Lady of the Year award and under her leadership the chapter won several national first place awards. Mrs. Garrett also was a member of the St. Louis chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Mrs. Garrett was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Harold Simpson and Donald Simpson. In addition to her husband and daughters, Mrs. Garrett is survived by two brothers, Todd Simpson, and Ralph Simpson, both of Dallas, Texas. She also is survived by five grandchildren, Martin Garrett-Currie and Elizabeth Garrett-Currie, of Chicago, and Holland Castor, Mia Castor and Ferris Castor, all of Honolulu, Hawaii; two sons-in-law, Bennie Currie, of Chicago and Todd Castor, of Honolulu, Hawaii; as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Burial will be held on Monday, Aug. 12 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.