Anita Smith Garrett

Anita Smith Garrett of Woodbridge VA passed quietly in the early hours of September 26 at Westminster Lake Ridge, where she was a resident. Anita was born July 12, 1923 in Bluefield, West Virginia where she lived throughout her childhood. She was the middle of three children born to the late Helen Esther Norvell and Charles Ross Smith who was a Presbyterian lay pastor. The family later moved to Roanoke, VA. Anita graduated from Concord College in Athens, West Virginia with a degree in education. Following her marriage to Gil Joan Miret she lived for a short time in New York, but returned with her daughter, Ann to Roanoke where she taught 6th grade at Melrose School and enjoyed playing the violin in the Roanoke Orchestra. There she met and married Arthur Claxton in 1952. They moved to Alexandria, VA and created a lovely home on the Mt Vernon Terrace waterfront. In 1953 they became members of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House which played a very significant role in their life . During these years Anita substituted in several Fairfax Co schools and tutored private students in algebra and geometry. She also taught Sunday School and Bible classes. Arthur Claxton passed suddenly in 1963 following a massive stroke. Anita remained at her beloved river house and in 1970 became the wife of Ralph Henry Garrett, also a member of the Meeting House. They enjoyed gardening, traveling, friends, and church activities until Ralph's death due to cancer in 1984. Anita was a lifelong avid bridge player. She also found and nurtured a talent for egg decorating which evolved into her creation of beautiful Faberge style eggs which will always be treasured by her family and friends. Anita was also blessed with great needlework skill including quilting, embroidery, needlepoint and knitting. She was a member of "Nellie's Needlers", an auxilliary group for Woodlawn Plantation. In 2010 Anita moved to Westminster Lake Ridge in Woodbridge, VA. She loved her cottage but had to move to the Healthcare Center where she remained with her able and loving caretakers for 3 years. Many of these professionals became very dear to her. Anita is survived by her daughter Ann and her husband, Jim; granddaughter, Mary Morton; grandson, Brian Vosburgh and his wife, Scottie. Her cherished great grandchildren are Alexa and Hallie Morton, Corinne, Gracie, and Jackson Vosburgh, and Abbie Edwards. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, and countless devoted friends. A memorial service will be held at the The Old Presbyterian Meeting House on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers you may contribute to The Claxton-Garrett Scholarship Fund at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. 323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314