Tommye Jo Garrett, 77, passed peacefully from this life to her heavenly reward on February 9, 2025, with her loving husband and children by her side.
Tommye was born on April 27, 1947, to John and Maggie Young in Wellington, Texas. Her family later moved to California, where she spent her childhood, and then graduated from Eisenhower Senior High School in 1965.
In 1966, she met the love of her life, Johnny Garrett. It was truly love at first sight, and just four months later, on August 13, 1966, they said, “I do” and began their wonderful 58-year journey together.
Tommye and Johnny moved their family to Missouri in 1978. She became an EMT and dedicated 23 years to Ripley County Ambulance. After realizing retirement didn’t suit her, she returned to public service at age 70, working with Ripley County Transit. Between her many years of serving the community and her love for a good yard sale or flea market find, she seemed to know just about everyone in Ripley County — and to her, they were all friends.
An important part of Tommye’s life was her church family at Safe Haven Community Church. She held a special place in her heart for each and every member, and from the moment she first walked through the doors, she knew she’d found her church home.
One of Tommye’s greatest joys in life was becoming a mother, which was exceeded only by her joy at later becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. While mostly known as a homebody, she truly loved boating and fishing on Current River with her husband, Johnny, and deer hunting with her son, Brandon. She was devoted to her family and cherished nothing more than having everyone gathered for one of her home-cooked meals.
Surviving are her husband, Johnny Garrett; one daughter, Kristian (Glen) Speck, and one son, Brandon (Diane) Garrett; five grandchildren, Ross (Shelley) Stout, Caleb Speck, Shelby Speck, Chloe (Kyle) Duncan, and Brandi Garrett; two great-grandchildren, London and Jeffrey Stout; one brother, Ramie Hopwood, of Doniphan; two sisters, Brenda Colbert, of Marlow, OK, and Sedonia Young, of Coos Bay, OR.
Tommye was preceded in death by her parents and two great-grandchildren, Micah Lee Stout and Liberty Jo Stout.
Visitation will be from 4-6 pm on Friday, February 14, at Edwards Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 6 pm in the chapel, with Pastor Debbie Roberson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Safe Haven Community Church.
