Kathleen Parker Garnett, age 74, passed away on November 18, 2020. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, nana, sister and friend to all. She will be greatly missed.
Kathie was born in Pensacola, Florida on December 18, 1945 to Edward and Coletta Parker. She graduated from Escambia High School and went on to Livingston University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Kathie devoted 30 years of her life to educating children. She was passionate about instilling values in her students, as well as preparing them for future success in life. She touched the lives of many students and was loved and respected by all. Kathie retired from Cherokee Elementary, located on Eglin Air Force Base, in 1998. After retiring, she spent several years substitute teaching in the Twin Cities area and was affectionately known as the “Skittle Lady.”
Kathie was an active member in her community and served in many ways. She was an alumni of Phi Mu sorority. Kathie was a founding member of the Niceville Junior Woman’s Club. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, Bunco Babes of Niceville and the Niceville Novelettes Book Club. She cared for seniors by delivering Meals on Wheels. Kathie was a long-time member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, where she served as an usher and a member of the Prayer Line Ministry. She also worked with local students as a Kid’s Count Tutor. Her most passionate philanthropy was volunteering with Friends of the Niceville Library. She was a founding member of the organization. Kathie had a passion for reading and understood the importance of getting books into the hands of children and adults, as well as providing a place for patrons to turn to in a time of need.
Kathie lived a full, vibrant life and was always up for excitement and adventure. She was devoted to her family who dearly loved her and adored by her friends. She touched the lives of every person she came in contact with. Anyone that knew her came away a better person because of her. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, reading, boating and gatherings with friends.
Kathie is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Jack Garnett Jr. He was her soulmate, best friend and worldwide traveling companion. They were totally inseparable; Daughter, Shannon and husband Mark Deveault; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Madison (the joys of her life); brothers, Ed Parker (Beth), Rich Parker (Debra); niece and nephews, Bill Parker, Jennifer Bangham and Matthew Parker. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Coletta Parker; brothers, Dan and Mickey Parker; sister in law, Marsha Parker; and nephew, Paul Parker.
A funeral mass will be held June 4, 2021 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 10:00am with a funeral mass at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests a donation be made in her honor to:
Twin Cities Pavilion, 1053 E John Sims Pkwy Niceville, FL 32578.
“Here’s looking at you kid.”
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