Vivian Garrett

Vivian Lorane Carson Garrett was born July 1, 1923 in Stilwell, Oklahoma to Frank and Osie Rogers Carson. She departed this life to be with our Lord on December 21, 2009 in Stilwell at the age of 86 years, 5 months and 20 days. Vivian had two younger brothers, Frank Carson, Jr. and Jack Rogers Carson and 1 older brother, Billy Horace Carson. Vivian received all of her schooling in Stilwell schools where she was salutatorian of both her eighth grade and twelfth grade classes. During high school she was active in extra-curricular activities, where she played in the marching band and played basketball. After graduating from Stilwell High School in 1940, Vivian enrolled at Northeastern State Teachers College. During College she again enjoyed being a part of the marching band and remembers fondly a trip to the Cotton Bowl. In college she was a member of Delta Sigma Epsilon Sorority and Rho Theta Honor Society. She graduated in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a double major in home economics and elementary education. Vivian received a Life Teaching Certificate at that time. Vivian began her teaching career in August of 1943 teaching third grade at Stilwell Elementary. In October of that year she married Bill Cruse Garrett. From 1943 to 1946 Vivian taught school while Bill was serving in the military. Upon Bills return from service, they lived briefly in Stillwater, Oklahoma where their first son, Bill Carson Garrett was born. The family returned to Stilwell in 1947 and Vivians next teaching assignment was at Stilwell Junior High where she taught mathematics for three years. Their second son, Jimmy Dale, was born in 1950 and Vivian stayed at home for the next few years. During this time their third son, Ken, was born. When Vivian returned to the classroom she again taught elementary, teaching remedial reading, grades one thru six. In 1965 she returned to NSU and earned a masters degree. After a few years of teaching at the elementary level, a decision was made to start a reading program at the secondary level and Vivian was asked to move to the high school and begin the new program. This was a federally funded program for reading enrichment. The last several years of her teaching career, Vivian did after school tutoring, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. It was rewarding to work with students on an in
idual basis. Vivian retired in 1985, with 29 years of classroom teaching. Vivian was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church where she joined at age 12. She loved to spend time with her family and friends especially on days she would play bridge. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sons; Jimmy Dale and Ken Alan Garrett, 1 grandson; Jeremy Garrett and 2 brothers; Billy Carson and Frank Carson Jr. She is survived by a very loving family that includes her son; Bill C. Garrett and wife Gina of Stilwell, Ok, 9 grandchildren; Jack Garrett and Wife Laura, of Tahlequah, Ok, Bob Garrett and wife Angie of Italy, Courtney Garrett and Becca Garrett both of Stilwell, Ok, Danny Garrett of Muldrow, Ok, Brandy Girdner and husband Bryan of Stilwell, Ok, Shane Garrett and wife Capri, Katie Bateman and husband Billy all of Westville, Ok, Samantha Garrett and Ty Garrett of Tahlequah, Ok, 19 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson. 1 brother; Jack Carson and wife Jimmie Ruth of Jenks, Ok, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive her. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at RobertsReed-Culver Funeral Chapel with Kevin Spurlock and Bro. Max Ford officiating. Interment followed at Stilwell City Cemetery under the direction of RobertsReed-Culver Funeral Home.