Garnet Ruth Anderson

Garnet Ruth Anderson (Duffy) passed peacefully on September 29, 2026 at the age of 82. Garnet was born at home in Widen, WV on September 9, 1944 to her parents Robert & Edith. In those early years her daddy was a coal miner and her mom a home maker. She was the second of three children and the only girl. Later in her childhood the Duffy family lived on a farm in Summersville. Garnet loved growing up in the mountains of West Virginia where for part of her elementary years she was taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She put a high value on education and attained a Master’s Degree in Education from Appalachian State University. It was in college in North Carolina where she met the love of her life David Anderson. They were married June 14, 1969 after which they made their home in Charles County Maryland starting their marriage at the beautiful Chandler’s Hope, surrounded by apple trees. As a newlywed Garnet loved to make dishes from the apples in the orchard for her new husband. In 1974 Garnet and David joyfully welcomed their only son Brian. In the following years the family worked together to build their dream home in White Plains. Brian has fond memories of the family sourcing and cleaning historic colonial brick for the construction of their home. Both David and Garnet spent their entire careers working for the Charles County Board of Education. Garnet spent the first ten years of her career working at Milton Summers and the following years at John Hansen, mostly as a Guidance Counselor until her retirement in 2014. Garnet lived a full and interesting life. One of her favorite adventures was taking a trip out west with the family and her daddy to see the Grand Canyon even though she was scared of heights! Garnet loved music, especially hymns and spiritual songs and could play the piano and the organ. She also loved to learn, enjoyed research, genealogy, the outdoors, yardwork, birdwatching and sports. Once Brian married and had children Garnet enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters. She delighted in attending all the girls’ basketball, soccer and softball games, choir and band concerts, marching band shows and birthday parties. They had fun together riding the train in PA, apple and berry picking, horseback riding, playing at the park and traveling. After losing her loving husband of 43 years in 2012 Garnet became even closer with her grandchildren and spent most of the last five years of her life living in their home. Garnet touched many lives with her generosity and kindness. Garnet was a devoted Christian and faithfully attended Fellowship Baptist Church for many years. Garnet is survived by her son Brian whom she loved dearly as well as her daughter-in-law Jocelyn and four granddaughters Gracie, Carrie, Nellie & Evie. Garnet will be affectionately remembered for her kindness, love, generosity and devotion to her family. A celebration of life service will be held for Garnet on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Fellowship Church located at 9805 Faith Baptist Church Road, White Plains, MD 20695 at 1:30 in the afternoon with a small luncheon to follow.