Mrs. Wanda Garrett

Wanda (Byford) Garrett, 75, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2014 at her home in Grand Prairie. Wanda was born in a log cabin on March 20, 1939 to parents James and Edith (Westbrook) Byford, of Alba, TX, both of whom precede her in death. Wanda was an accomplished seamstress and possessed, with much pride, a three-generation thimble collection, enjoyed painting and was known for her impeccable appearance. During her teenage years, she was a roller skating car-hop and enhanced her education by becoming licensed cosmetologist. She gladly closed her beauty shop when she met and married Gene Autry Garrett and they began a family. This enabled her to be a stay at home Mom while still utilizing her beauty skills to cut her children’s hair and her sewing skills to make their clothes. Also known as “Mammaw” to her grandchildren, Wanda often referred to herself as “THE Mammaw” when she would call her grandchildren or share her wisdom with them. She was an absolute treasure to her family and shared her love of music, from Motown hits to gospel classics with all of her family and friends. Wanda knew her time on earth would be cut short and, while not exactly waiting patiently, she let her family know with humor that she was ready to be in the arms of Jesus as soon as possible. She attended church all of her life and was currently attending services at the retirement community in which she lived. Those left to cherish her memory are son Gene Allen Garrett and fiancé, Shannon; daughter Rhonda Faye Nabors and husband Landon; grandchildren Jonathan Upchurch and wife, Anda, Bradley Nabors and fiancé Rachel Vaughan, Ashley Nabors, Jaden Garrett and Brenden Garrett; siblings James Byford, Donnie Byford and Larry Byford, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her dearly. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014, 4:00 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home.