Bozy Garrett Jr

Bozy Garrett Jr. was born on November 22, 1937 to Ruby Mae and Bozy Garrett Sr. in Huntsville, TX. He moved to Houston, TX in the 3rd Ward area at the tender age of two years old. He accepted Christ at an early age when he, along with his family, joined St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend S.A. Pleasants, Jr. Bozy grew to become a proud community member of 3rd Ward, especially after attending Blackshear Elementary and eventually graduating from the esteemed Jack Yates High School in 1956. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corp. and was honorably discharged in 1959. Approximately a year later, he married Sarah Turner. To this union, two children were born, Runda Michelle Garrett and LaSonji Camille Garrett (Wilkins). During this time, he began working towards his career in Respiratory Therapy through the Veterans Affairs Hospital’s Certification Program. Eventually, he attained his Associate Degree with Honors from Houston Community College in 1975 to satisfy the requirements to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He committed himself to his career and the VA Hospital for 37 years, including transitioning to the newly built Michael D. DeBakey VA Medical Center. It was at the VA Hospital that he met, in his words, “the best thing that ever happened to me,” Maria Rodela. They united in marriage at the VA Hospital’s chapel in February of 1978. From this union, his last two daughters were born, Maria Rosanna Garrett and Monica Renee Garrett. They remained united in marriage for 35 years until her death in 2017. He raised his four daughters with great pride and always remarked on how deeply he loved all of them. Bozy became the patriarch of his family by serving as a father-figure to many of his nieces and nephews. He also remained steadfast in his mission to keep his family, immediate and extended, together. Bozy was a personable, fun-loving, and selfless individual. He enjoyed many things in life such as being on bowling leagues, taking road trips for family vacations, Fishing with his wife, was an an avid photographer, being the “family’s bartender” at the Denkins Family Club’s New Year’s Eve parties, barbequing for the family reunions with cousins, especially Horace Jr, and many more. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria R. Garrett, his daughter, Runda M. Garrett, his grandchildren; Chance M., Chandler B, and Channing D. Jackson, his parents, Ruby Mae Crenshaw and Bozy Garrett, Sr., his sister, Lovia D. Belton, and his brother, Cecil. He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters; LaSonji C. Wilkins (Wayne), Maria R. Garrett, and Monica R. Garrett, his four grandchildren; Camille L. Wilkins, Rya C. Stone, Garrett L. Wilkins, and Chandlin T. Jackson, one great-grandchild, Jayden J. Bolden, and his nieces; Cheryl R. Wilkins and Cavalina A. Caples, who he treated as daughters, and a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tributes

Bozy Garrett Jr

November 22, 1937 - January 1, 2024