John "Howard" Garrett

Howard was born on September 27, 1935 to Nelson and Mary Garrett and grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania. He is predeceased by his parents and older sister, Doris Dickerson. Howard completed undergraduate and Pharmacy school at Ohio Northern in 1958 where he was also a member of Kappa Psi. He met and married the love of his life, Helen Lynch. They moved to Elizabeth City, NC in 1968 where Howard worked as a registered Pharmacist for many years ultimately becoming District Manager for People’s Drug. Howard and Helen were very active in the community and attended Holy Family Catholic Church. Howard was a member of the Jaycees and eventually served as president of the local Rotary Club. After 33 years with People’s Drug, Howard and Helen moved to Hershey, PA where Howard was the Director of Human Resources for CVS. Howard never met a stranger, which served him well when he traveled to Pharmacy schools across eastern US meeting and recruiting Pharmacists at local universities. After 10 years in PA, they retired in Williamsburg, VA to be closer to family. Howard and Helen were welcomed into the St. Bede’s Catholic community where they were involved in Liturgical Ministries and the Young at Heart group. Howard was a member of the local Mustang Club and often showed his cherished 1965 Ford Mustang at local car shows. You could often see Howard and Helen riding around Williamsburg with the top down.

Howard and Helen were married over 57 years and enjoyed life with their three children and spouses: Karen and Bill Hale, Elizabeth City, NC; John H., II and Catherine Garrett, Chesterfield, VA; and Jeffrey and Ann Garrett, Wake Forest, NC. He was a beloved and generous grandfather who often broke the rules for his adoring grandkids: Jessica Warren, Erin Barefoot, John H. Garrett III (Jack), Sydie Garrett and Mary Helen Garrett.

Howard and Helen enjoyed boating, playing bridge, traveling and spending time in the Outer Banks with family and friends.

A viewing will be held at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA from 2-6pm, on Monday, July 20, where a memorial mass will take place at 2:00PM, on Tuesday, July 21, followed by a reception. A rite of committal will take place at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1453 N Road St., Elizabeth City, NC at 11am on Wednesday, July 22.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, Elizabeth City, NC or St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg, VA.