Patricia Trower Garrett

She was born in Tulsa, OK on October 2, 1939 where she spent her formative years. Pat attended Tulsa’s Central High School and the University of Oklahoma in Norman. She married Edward Paul “Ed” Garrett on June 11, 1960. Over the next 24 years, Pat and Ed lived in Lexington, KY, Ponca City, OK, Stamford, Ct, Wichita, KS, St. Louis, MO, before settling in Raleigh, NC in 1984.

Pat was a paragon of hospitality, frequently opening her home to friends and strangers alike for a meal, an overnight stay, and even shelter for months at a time, blessing many with material support and a sympathetic ear. Together with Ed, Pat excelled at being a true friend in need.

She had an indomitable spirit, enduring decades of debilitating health challenges such as migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, broken bones, degenerative spine and multiple myeloma, and yet, through them all she maintained a cheerful attitude, always smiling in the midst of pain. Despite her difficulties, Pat was ever grateful to God for her blessings and could be counted on to have a hymn of thanksgiving on her lips as she scurried about her house preparing to host the next gathering of family and friends.

Pat is preceded in death by Ed, her husband of 46 years, her sister Karen Sue Dolman, and brother Terry Trower.

She is survived by her brother, Steve Trower, her daughter Susan George (Norman); sons Steve Garrett (Carolina), and Chris Garrett (Jenny); 13 grandchildren, and two great grandsons.

She leaves to her family and many friends a legacy of Christian faith, service and hospitality, and an inspiring example of perseverance through difficulties.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 20 at Church of the Apostles, 333 Church at N. Hills St. in Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that contributions be made to Converting Hearts Ministries (www.convertinghearts.org) or Neighbor Health (neighborhealthcenter.org)

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Garrett family.