Obituary of Cherrie Howard Garrett

Cherrie Howard Garrett joined her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 17, 2021, with her two daughters at her side. Born in Amarillo, Texas on February 27, 1929, to Cherrie Barclay Howard and Frank Thomas Howard, she and her parents returned to their deep Fort Worth roots when she was just a baby. For the ensuing 92 years, Cherrie lived in Fort Worth enjoying a life of abundant love filled with family and friendships.After graduating from Paschal High School and a year at TCU, Cherrie left for Austin and the University of Texas. A degree in Education initiated a lifelong thirst for knowledge. The war had ended, and Cherrie found a campus filled with returning servicemen and a very active social life. She liked to remember that she had standing dates every night of the week. And sometimes two dates in a single night. The center of her life at UT was her beloved sorority Chi Omega, the source of dear friends and a lifelong interest. Along the way she met Kenneth Garrett, a young soldier also from Fort Worth enrolled in the engineering school. The standing dates tapered off, and they embarked on a marriage that flourished for nearly 65 years producing two daughters, five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. As they built their life together, Cherrie was the behind-the-scenes partner with Ken in all his business endeavors. They complemented each other and were a formidable combination in family, business and life.In Ken, Cherrie found a husband who loved adventure, new ideas and spontaneity. She adjusted her natural inclination toward caution and planning and together they found a balance that resulted in a life that overflowed with memorable experiences. They traveled extensively, including China and the Soviet Union before those countries were open to tourism. She loved introducing her children and grandchildren to the world, taking them along on their travels. Cherrie drew the line when Ken purchased a motorcycle, preferring instead her two- seater sports car. She was a reluctant skier, sailor, fly fisherman and golfer. But the tradeoff was that she would follow Ken in his athletic endeavors if he would tolerate her series of adored dogs.Cherrie loved her hometown. On her travels, when someone asked where she was from, without hesitation she would say, “Fort Worth” – not Texas, not the United States. Her love of her city ignited a lifetime of community service. She served on the boards of The All-Church Home for Children, the Museum of Science and History, Camp Fire Girls, Jewel Charity Ball and The Canwick Club. She spent years as a docent at the Amon Carter Museum and a member of the Woman’s Club and its Wednesday Study Club. Her love for Chi Omega continued as she served as an advisor at TCU, proudly watching the school and her sorority expand their national reputations. Cherrie was a member of University Christian Church for 70 years teaching and serving. She enjoyed her memberships in the Junior League of Fort Worth, Rivercrest Country Club, Colonial Country Club, Ridglea Dinner Club and Diners and Outers. She celebrated lifelong friendships though her bridge club and sewing club that were active for over 60 years.Cherrie was a lady of abundant dignity and graciousness. She loved people and reached out to everyone, stretching far beyond the boundaries of her comfortable circle of friends. Her ability to listen and her desire to invest in others was only exceeded by her subsequent wise advice – solicited or otherwise! She was fortunate to have been raised by loving parents who set the example that influenced her life – a strong and enduring faith and an inherent sense of right and wrong. But that defining trait was softened by her empathy and genuine kindness to all. She sought to lead an upright life, contributing positively to the world around her. That attribute made her a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.Cherrie’s family was the center of her life and her greatest love. She is survived by her adoring daughters and their husbands: Dianne and John Hawkins of Dallas and Chris and Merrell Athon of Houston. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy: David and Sarah Hawkins of New York and their children Johnny, Barrett and Sam; Sara and David Lewis of Houston and their children Chandler, Judson, Abigail and Kate; Virginia and Victor Boutros of Dallas and their children Eva and Lawson; Bryan and Lauren Athon of Houston and their children Weston and Clarke; John and Margot Athon of Washington D.C. and their children Grayson and Greer. Her latest canine companion Patch never left her side and will probably miss her most of all! In her later years, special friendships were formed with those who made her life safe, comfortable and dignified. Thank you to Karen Odom, Kim Muldoon, Linda Perry and Anisa Odom for their love and devotion.