Geraldine Taylor Garrett, accomplished writer, educator
Geraldine “Jerre” Taylor Garrett, passed away peacefully Friday, April 26, 2024, surrounded by her children. She was born in 1938. Jerre's journey through life was marked by unwavering faith and an expansive definition of family.
Educated at St. Patrick’s in Kennett Square and Immaculate Conception in Elkton, Md., Jerre later attended Ursuline Academy and graduated from the College of New Rochelle. Her academic foundation paved the way for a life rich in literary and educational pursuits.
Jerre was a prolific writer, known for her humor and human interest stories in publications such as The Wilmington News Journal, Baltimore Sun, Cecil Whig, and others. Her unique voice resonated in the Maryland Horse Magazine through her beloved series "Bus’s Tackroom." Perhaps her most notable literary achievement was her book, “Muffled Drums and Mustard Spoons.”
Beyond her writing, Jerre dedicated many years to education, teaching at Holy Angels, Immaculate Conception, Christ Our King, and Saint Anthony’s. Her devotion to nurturing young minds was equally evident in her role as an educational grant writer for MBNA and her administrative work at the Children's Beach House in Lewes.
At Delaware Park, she started at the ticket window and rose to become the lead of mutuals, showcasing her leadership and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Jerre’s obituary would be remiss if it didn't tip its hat to her trademark sense of humor. Her razor-sharp wit and sarcasm sliced through dull conversations and cut the tension in serious situations. She wielded a powerful vocabulary and never let the mundane confines of grammar restrict her colorful language. Her enduring legacy is rooted in the laughter she shared and inspired in others.
Jerre lived a life of purpose. Her story is not just written in the books and articles she composed but etched in the lives of those she touched. She will be remembered as a beacon of knowledge, kindness, creativity, and laughter—a true embodiment of a life well-lived.
Jerre was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Garrett; her parents, Helen (McGovern) Taylor and Richard Taylor; aunt, Frances U. McGovern; and daughter-in-law, Martha Emerling Garrett. Jerre's legacy is carried forward by her children, Geraldine (Bruce) Pierce, Monique Garrett, Shivaun (Jack) Jester, Richard (Miguel Deleon) Garrett, Jack Garrett, Patrick (Nicole) Garrett and Michael (Julie) Garrett. Her spirit is further cherished by her eight grandchildren, Garrett, Claire, Adrienne, Collin, Dylan, Laura, Jack W, and Jack A.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at noon, Friday, May 10, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Jerre’s memory to charities of the donor’s choosing. Acknowledgements can be sent to the Garrett Family, P.O. Box 232, Lewes, DE 19958.
For online condolences, visit chandlerfuneralhome.com.
