Esther "Beth" Poole Garrett
September 28, 1949 ~ May 3, 2020
Born in:
Greensboro, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailWith bright blue eyes, a smile that would light up a room, and a warm personality that turned every new acquaintance into a friend, Esther Poole Garrett, 70, a resident of Asheville, NC and Charleston, SC passed away on May 3, 2020 after a brief illness. At the time of her death, she was a patient at the CarePartners Hospice Facility at 21 Belvedere Road in Asheville, NC.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Esther Poole and her grandson Garrett Christopher Hodgdon.
She is survived by her husband Major General (Retired) Joseph G. (Skip) Garrett III; a daughter, Rebecca Garrett Nelson (husband Mike) of Raleigh, NC; a son, Christopher Fray Garrett of the residence in Asheville; a granddaughter Ellen Florance Hodgdon, a Pharmacy Student at the University of South Carolina in Columbia; a brother Frank R. Poole III (wife Janet) of Greensboro, NC, an aunt, several cousins, and many, many wonderful friends.
She and Skip were married in 1969 at the First Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC one week after he graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, SC and was commissioned in the U.S. Army. Over the next 32 years during Skip’s Army career they moved 23 times and the family was stationed in both the United States and in Germany. She was a superb cook and homemaker and enjoyed traveling with her husband and many friends throughout the world and spending time with her family at their condo in Charleston, SC where they frequently participated in activities at The Citadel. In 2019, the Garretts celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a cruise on the Queen Mary II to England and then met their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in Paris for a week of sightseeing.
Known to all as Beth, she was born in St. Leo’s Hospital in Greensboro, NC on September 28, 1949. She graduated in 1967 from Curry High School which at the time was the demonstration school for the Education Department at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She attended Coker College in Hartsville, SC and became a Registered Nurse upon graduation from Northern Virginia Community College in 1980 enjoying a career of over 20 years working as an OB/GYN nurse both in the U.S and in U.S. military hospitals overseas before retiring.
The family wishes to thank the staffs at Blue Ridge Premier Medicine, particularly Dr. Richard Arwood, Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC, and at CarePartners Hospice for their loving care and compassion shown to Beth during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name will be welcomed at The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409 for the Major General Joseph G. Garrett III and Esther P. Garrett Scholarship or to the Manna Food Bank, 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville, NC 28803.
A burial service will be scheduled at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Dear Skip & family, I’m reading this with a heavy heart thinking of you. I had the privilege of being in Beth’s company at so many work related events. After being in a room with Beth for just a minute or two, I felt like I had known her quite some time. Such a kind smile and friendly personality to say the least. I’m glad to have known her. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
With deepest sympathy,
Kerry Munroe-Hanley
from Raytheon Company
Dear Skip,
We have so many memories of Beth at all those reunions. Beth’s cheerful smiles and warmth were a welcome addition to our group. We loved hearing about your cruises and Alaskan adventure, Broadway trips with your grand-daughter, Beths’s girlfriend trips. She will be remembered and missed. Be of strong heart.
I am so very sorry to hear about Beth. She was truly such a delightful person- so joyous and kind and grateful. Every time I came to the house she made me feel so welcome and comfortable that I always felt like I could sit and talk to you all for hours. She loved Chris so, so, so very much and if everyone could have a mother as warm and caring as she, the world would be a much brighter place. I know her light will continue to shine in other ways but she will truly be missed by those who were lucky enough to know her.
From the first time I spoke to Beth so many years ago, I felt like I knew her forever. So sorry to hear this sad news. Condolences, all my prayers and love to Skip and family.
Beth was a person of dignity, grace and caring. Her presence was felt by all, through a single smile, an understanding nod, or a warm embrace. She rose above the fray, ever emerging as a voice of reason and wisdom. She was a beautiful person and indeed, this gentle soul will be missed.
Dear Skip, We are so sad for your loss. Beth was wonderful mother, grandmother and life partner. She will be etched in our minds forever with her delightful smile and her caring nature. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ron and Deb.
Dear Skip. Steve and I are so sorry for your loss. Beth was such a big help getting me started in my Army life. She was the best at everything. We had some great times. I know she will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Skip and Family: Please accept our deepest sympathies, we are saddened by your loss. May perpetual light shine upon her and may God continue to bless you and your family.
PT and Jan Mikolashek
This was a beautiful tribute to your Beth!
Dan and I wish you and your family to know that she leaves a huge void in our close little group and that she will never be forgotten! It was always wonderful to hear her tell stories of your loving family in her southern accent. We celebrate her and know in our hearts that she is looking down on all of us with her wry grin and a twinkle in her eyes.
Skip and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies in this time of grief and our prayers for peace and understanding.
Tom and Carla Newberry
Skip,
Dana and my family send our sincere condolences to the entire Garrett family for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Danny Carew
Words cannot express how sad and heart-broken we are by the loss of sweet wonderful Beth. We were honored and privileged to know her and have her in our lives. She was a friend that we always looked forward to seeing at every gathering. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family.
Skip,
Still in shock but remembering the closeness, love, and devotion that you and Beth had together. She was the perfect complement to you, Chris, and Becky during your lives together and brought wonder and joy to everyone that she met. I don’t know how to express how devastated Donna and I are at this news and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You and Beth are special friends and she will always be in our hearts. God bless you all and give you the strength and courage to go forward. We thank you and Beth for all you did to make our lives happier and more meaningful.
Skip
Beth left a lasting memory to us for her warm, friendly and welcoming nature.
Skip
Was so sorry to hear about Beth. I know she will be missed sorely by your family. We hope you are well and we send best wishes along with our thoughts and prayers.
Dick and Dory
Angela and I want to express our deepest sorrow and most sincere condolences to you and the entire Garrett family on Beth’s passing from this life into the next. May God’s love comfort you all.
Warmest regards,
John and Angela Ryan
Skip,
Simple words are inadequate to express how deeply saddened Mary and I are over Beth’s passing. She was always a joy to be around. She brightened every room she walked into and lifted the spirits of everyone, even in the most trying of circumstances. We have countless fond memories of our shared time together. We will truly miss her.
Pete & Mary Thomson
The Vouvakis family (De Anna Cosumano) is sending our love to you all. So many fun and wonderful memories in Germany with Becky! Ms. Beth was a dear friend of Mom’s too, and I know she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you, and God bless.
Beth was always a candle of light in everything she did; A gracious woman who truly cared for and helped all who she was around. She will always be in our hearts and will be truly missed.
Sincerely,
Pete and Diane Franklin
I loved this special friend!!! Since our days together at Coker (of which she had no memory because all she could think of was you, Skip) and through the past years when our group met for fun, food, and just celebrating each other, she has been a shining, compassionate light to us all. We know she is planning heavenly meals right now for all those who have gone before! We love you Skip, Becky, and Chris and feel your loss so intensely. Know you are all being thought of and prayed for as you navigate the next months and years.💕💕💕
Dear Chris and Skip, I’m so sorry to hear about Beth. She was a truly wonderful person and will be sorely missed. You are in my thoughts and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.
To the Garrett Family,
Connie and I send our most sincere condolences for your loss. Beth was a wonderful lady. Connie and I will keep her and you in our prayers.
Garrett Ohana,
So sorry to hear about Beth’s passing…surely a new bright light shines in Heaven! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
A bright light has been extinguished in our world much too soon. Beth, we know you are with our Father and the angels. Your bright smile lit up rooms, and your infectious laugh was a delight to behold. Our time with you and your family in Burke VA was great fun and we have many great memories. Thank you for being a part of our lives!
So sorry to hear of Beth’s passing. We send our deepest condolences to the Garrett Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The world has lost a beautiful light a compassionate heart and a dear friend We send our condolences-thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
A beautiful light has left our world. Our deepest condolences to you and our prayers to all of you.
Dear Skip, Becky and Chris,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Beth’s passing. Although we only knew her for a short time many years ago at Burke Station Square she left a lasting impression of Southern hospitality on everyone she met. A big smile, a caring yet fun loving demeanor and genuine concern are attributes we will always remember.
May God give you His peace during this time.
Bill, Connie, Tim and Jeannie (from across the street at Banning Place )
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Dear Chris and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know you miss her. Whenever you came to class, you always had a wonderful smile on your face that extended over your entire body. I know that your Mom was responsible for so much of that happiness in you. Although I retired in 2016, I’ll always remember you as one of the people who made me want to go to work everyday. May God’s love be with you and your family.
I have very fond memories of time spent with My cousin Beth and her family! Our prayers go out to you and your family Skip.
So sadden to hear of Beth’s passing. Please Know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. So glad I had a chance to visit with you and Beth a few months ago.
So saddened to hear of Beth’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your Family in these trying times. May God give you strength and Beth her eternal peace.
My condolences to the family of Esther Garrett. I pray God continues to comfort and strengthen the family during this time of bereavement. May the many cherished and loving memories of Esther continue to comfort her family and friends. A comforting thought is at Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress.” May you all have calming and pleasant thoughts during this time.
Dear Skip, please accept our deep condolences. We remember you and Beth vividly from our days at Ft Bliss. She was a joy to be with in any setting. We could not have asked for a more wonderful command couple than you and Beth during our tour at Bliss. We will pray for you, Beth and your family.
Sir, Nadine and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We are in support of you during this difficult time and wish you the very best in being able to remember the many great memories that you and Beth had together over your life together.
Hector and Maria Herrera
Although we had a short time together Beth and Skip will be in our thoughts and hearts forever… . . . . .
God Bless You All.
Jan & Steve Mangan
Manchester …England
Skip – you have not responded to my earlier efforts to offer my condolences. I’m not sure Beth would approve. She was better than most. The sincerity of her humanity was clear to all who encountered her. I’m sure her loss is devastating to you. Unfortunately, my efforts to offer sincere condolences having been rebuffed by you confirms my belief she was so much better than all of us. I pray for you that you may learn how fortunate you were to have her in your life. May her legacy make you a more compassionate man.
Dear Skip: Beth was a beautiful person through and through. We send along our deepest sympathy and pray you can reflect on the many happy moments you and Beth shared together. Kevin and Kathy Campbell
Always uplifting with her smile, the Cosumano family has been enriched to have known her.
God ‘s blessing to you and your family
Joe and Chanelle