Garnette Charlene Pryor

Garnette went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday March 21, 21 in Visalia Ca. She was 84. She had a long courageous battle with cancer for 6 years but was sadly taken too soon by Covid 19. Mom never felt sorry for herself or complained at what life gave her.

Born Garnette Charlene Williams, a beloved daughter with an identical twin sister Janette. She was one of two, and two of one. Inseparable from the day conceived, always blessed to share a bond as sisters with the same DNA.

She arrived on September 27, 1936 delivered in the Visalia Hospital to the proud parents of Leland George Williams and Ida Lou Williams. Grew up at the family home on the 900 block of Divisadero Ave. Just down the block from the Knudsen dairy plant.

Born and raised, lived her whole life in Visalia, with a brief year or so in Hanford. She attended both Redwood and Mt. Whitney high schools. Graduated HS in the one the first classes from Mt. Whitney.

Mom always had a love for hair. Suspect she was given a pair of scissors as soon as her fingers could hold them and we should probably bury her with a pair of scissors just in case someone in heaven needs a haircut. That passion guided her to the local beauty school in Visalia where she would take the greatest delight perfecting her skills making the whole town more beautiful one head and haircut at a time. She worked at the Pixy Cut, other various shops until she joined her salon family at Mr. Harry’s hair salon. She found where she belonged. Mom made a lifetime of friendships during that time.

Garnette fell in love and married her high school sweetheart James Loren Pryor on March 3, 1955 at the Christian Church in Visalia. Their commitment to each other was a lifelong bond until his death in 1998. She continued to wear her wedding ring of white gold with diamonds until her death.

Survived by three children: Brian Dean Pryor of Shelton WA. Andrea Lynn Pryor Horine of Visalia and Brent Lloyd Pryor of Visalia. When Andrea married Russell Horine, he became a son in love that was cherished as one of her own. Her life and joy were always in her children. She leaves behind 4 beloved grandsons, Lee Horine and spouse (Natalie), Dean Horine and (Mandy), Douglas Pryor (Emerald) and John Thomas Pryor and 1 adored granddaughter Nancy Pryor. She also had two beautiful great grandsons Milo and Quinton Horine.

Gifted with creativity, art became a lifelong expression of what gave her happiness. On canvas, with a brush and some quiet alone time, give her some watercolors and something magical happened. Even late into her cancer treatments, going to art classes, painting and even having some of her paintings hang in exhibition on display brought a smile of satisfaction. She made some lifelong friends through her senior citizen art classes, Arts Visalia and Tulare Palette Club.

Mom will be missed by all who knew her. Her granddaughter Nancy summed her up with this, “Mimi symbolized my idea of a classy lady, she had a stylist flair that paired well with her quiet dignity and kindness. She overcame a lot of hardship and loss in her life, and I am sure I only know pieces of it. She cared deeply and fiercely for her family. Nancy, along with all of us are proud to be a part of her lineage and salute her as she joins the ranks of our ancestors. We love you Mimi's!"

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Janette Malone and her husband Loren Pryor.

A Celebration of Life for Garnette will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291.

In Lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be given to Arts Visalia PO Box 251 Visalia, Ca 93291