LuCille Minton Simons Garrison

LuCille was born in the family home near Peacock, Texas, Stonewall County, May 29, 1923 to Joe Baugh and Rosie Belle Minton. Her mother died when LuCille was 5 and she was raised with much love by her dad and two dear older brothers Walter Farris (Dick) and John Leonard.

LuCille graduated from Littlefield High School, where she participated in basketball, including the Texas State Championship Game for 1939-40, was captain of the softball team, and was elected “Smile Queen”. Following graduation in 1941, LuCille worked at the Lubbock Army Flying School (later named Reese Air Force Base) where she met and married a young airman, DeWitt C. Simons, Jr. To that union three children were born: Donna, Jodi, and Dee. During one of DeWitt’s overseas assignments during World War II and the Korean Conflict, LuCille played in the Lubbock Softball League, where she pitched a memorable no-hitter.

LuCille worked for Sentinel Bookstore (later named Bailey’s Bookstore) for 35 years where she conducted teacher training for Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teachers. She lovingly incorporated her talent and vision for educational visual aids into the training sessions. After retirement she was a dedicated volunteer at the VA Clinic of Lubbock and various other charitable causes.

It was during this time, when her husband was a resident at the Garrison Geriatric and Care Center, that LuCille met other spouses of Alzheimer’s patients while making their daily visits to the Center. These spouses all became great friends and formed the support group, “The Forget-Me-Nots”. DeWitt passed away in 2005. As their loved ones lost their battles with Alzheimer’s, friendships continued among the close support group. Over time one such friendship blossomed after both of their spouses had been claimed by Alzheimer’s. LuCille and Shirley Leon Garrison were married June 30, 2007 with their families’ blessings. Both Mr. G and LuCille grew up on West Texas farms in hard times, each was true to their first love, each raised three children, each was blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren, and each successful in their life’s work. After six and a half years of a wonderful marriage and close companionship, Mr. Garrison passed away December 13, 2013.

LuCille Garrison is survived by daughters Donna Corbell and husband Mike, Jodi Exum and husband Rickey; son Dee Simons and wife Betsy; Grandchildren Conny Rector, Kent Corbell, Jay Exum, Lindsey Davis, Candy Riegel, and Katy Simons; Great-Grandchildren Olivia Rector, Jacob Rector, Ryan Riegel, Luke Riegel, Kole Davis, Fyo Corbell, Lyv Corbell and Bo Exum; nieces Lynda Kyler, Dorothy West, Jonelle Warner and Phyllis Shamoon; nephew: Lynn Minton; and cousins Joe D. Minton and Billie Sudduth.

LuCille’s family is sincerely grateful to Mr. Garrison’s family for showing her much love.

His children are son Harvey Garrison and wife Joyce; daughters Sharon Walker and husband Bruce; and Pam Carrothers and husband Bill. Additionally, LuCille’s family extends appreciation to primary caregiver, Grovonda Coleman, continued support from the staff of the Garrison Center, and many other caregivers.

Memorials may be made to the Garrison Geriatric and Care Center or your personal choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery, Lubbock, TX.