To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Lucy Simmons Garrett, affectionately known as "Mammie" or "Ma", was born February 16, 1928, in the South Santee section of McClellanville, SC. She was a daughter of the late Mr. Henry and Mrs. Betsy Simmons.

"Mammie" attended South Santee School. She was married to her long time sweetheart, William, for 71 years. From this marriage, eleven children were born.

Lucy accepted Christ at an early age and joined Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. She later transferred her membership to Lily Pond Missionary Baptist Church where her husband is a member. She was an active member serving in several auxiliaries: the Missionary Society, Pastor's Aide Committee and Senior Choir. She served faithfully until her health declined.

Lucy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Guiding Light Chapter # 268 for many years. She also was a member of Women involved in Rural Electrification (WIRE).

"Mammie" enjoyed cooking for her family and anyone else who wanted a hot meal. She was famous for her red rice, macaroni and cheese, and of course her homemade biscuits and raisin bread. She loved going to the Senior Citizen Center to play bingo and pitty pat, and to make quilts.

On Friday, October 13, 2017, Lucy slipped away peacefully into eternal rest with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Prince Simmons, Henry Simmons Jr., Adeline Simmons, Russell Simmons Sr., and Lula Mae Wright; and stepdaughter, Shirley Campbell.

Lucy leaves to cherish her fond memories: her loving husband, William Garrett, Sr.; her children: Lucretia Howard of Philadelphia, PA; Mable Blake (Ben), William Garrett, Jr. (Debra), Melvin Garrett, Sr. (Annie) all of McClellanville, SC, Harris Garrett of Myrtle Beach, SC, Willard Garrett (Marcella) of Wilmington, NC, Rev. Warren Garrett, Sr. of McClellanville, SC, Gary Garrett (Teresa) of Savannah, GA, Stephen Garrett of Lithonia, GA, Lorie Garrett, and Paulette Wright (Shawn) all of McClellanville, SC. She also leaves a stepson, Jacob Simmons (Alma) of McClellanville, SC; and those whom she reared, Verline Gibbs, Abraham Blake (Thawanna), Tawanna Henderson (Gregory Sr.), Avis Garrett (Shenecca) and Damien Garrett; and one god-child, Willie Mae Taylor.

"Ma" leaves her sisters, the "Golden Girls": Rosetta Walker, Ida Fells, and Marie Pringle (Leonardo) all of Brooklyn, NY; one brother, David Simmons of Brooklyn, New York; one sister-in-law, Lorraine Simmons of Georgetown, SC; one brother-in-law. Moses Garrett, Sr. of McClellanville, SC; 50 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

"Mammie" will be greatly missed by her three special friends: Tena Branton, Henrietta Blake, and Ruth Middleton; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.