Martha Marie Garrett

Martha Marie Garrett, 58, of Norfolk, Virginia, peacefully passed away from this life surrounded by her loving family on May 15, 2026, at Baypointe Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  She is the youngest child of Grover and Carol Garrett.  

Born on May 4, 1968, in Paoli, Indiana, Martha grew up outside of Prairie Creek, Indiana on a farm, until moving to Arkansas to graduate from White Hall High School in 1987.  She went on to attend Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where she earned her Bachelor of Business degree in 1990.

Martha began her professional journey in Nashville, Tennessee, launching her career at the law office of Bass, Berry, and Sims.  In 2000, she relocated to San Antonio, Texas, where she found fulfillment teaching the next generation as an IT and computer ethics educator at Hallmark Institute.  Later in 2000, Martha was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

In 2004, Martha welcomed the absolute joy of her life, her daughter, Julia Nicole Garrett.

Though her health began to show signs of decline in 2018, she faced her daily struggles for the next five years with immense resilience. She later moved to Norfolk, Virginia, to live with her sibling, Pat, before becoming a resident at Baypointe Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.  Her family extends their deepest gratitude to the many beautiful caretakers who filled Martha’s final years with comfort, kindness, dignity, and love.  

Martha lived a full life, rich with many experiences.  She truly never met a stranger.  Blessed with the gift of gab, she would spark up lively conversations with anyone she met in restaurants, grocery stores, or supermarkets, welcoming everyone with an open heart.  Martha loved music and loved to dance.  She possessed a deep fondness for trying all types of food—mostly because she strongly disliked cooking it herself.  She leaves her family with a lifetime of vibrant stories, laughter, and fun memories.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

Martha was preceded by her father Grover S Garrett in 2025.  She is survived by her daughter, Julia Nicole Garrett of Cibolo, Texas; her mother, Carol L. Garrett of Estill Springs, Tennessee; her siblings, Pat Garrett of Norfolk, Virginia, Lynn Bridges (Paul) of Smyrna, Tennessee, Debbie Berry (Phil) of Hiawassee, Georgia, and Grover S Garrett II (Joe Pack) of San Antonio, Texas.  Her nieces, Stephanie Berry Duffy (Ryan), Amanda Berry Sibley (Clayton), Rachel Bridges, great niece, Lainey Duffy; nephews Daniel Bridges, Patrick Bridges, and a great nephew James Duffy.

Martha’s wishes were of cremation therefore, a celebration of life will be held at Barkley Funeral Chapel Greenup, 300 N Kentucky St., Greenup, IL 62428 at 12:00 pm noon on Saturday, August 29, 2026.  Her resting place is at the Garrett Cemetery, 2251 Co Rd 800 N, Casey, IL 62420.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in memory of Martha Marie Garrett to the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org

Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkelyfuneralchapels.com

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