Evelyn Inez Garrett and Edwin Cornelius Garrett Jr. of the Shinnecock Indian Reservation died within three days of each other at the Hamptons Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. Ms. Garrett died on October 1, and three days later her husband, devastated by the death of his wife, died on October 4. Both were 89.
Ms. Garrett, affectionately called “Nana,” was born September 21, 1926, in Piney Grove, Virginia, to Hazel Sawyer Hicks and Edmond Hicks. The family moved from Virginia to New York before the birth of their youngest child, Evelyn’s brother Edmund Hicks, in 1934. She attended Morgan State University, where during her second year she met the love of her life, Edwin Cornelius Garrett Jr. She worked for the phone company for years before moving to Southampton, where she worked at Southampton Intermediate School as a cashier in the cafeteria.
Edwin Cornelius Garrett Jr., affectionately called “Papa,” was born December 24, 1925, in New York City to Gwendolyn Cogbill and Edwin Cornelius Sr. Mr. Garrett served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, stationed in the South Pacific. Upon coming home, he attended the New York University College of Dentistry, earning a degree in dental prosthontics. He worked with a number of dentists and nonprofit organizations before opening his own practice in Harlem.
The Garretts were both very active members of the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center & Museum. Mr. Garrett was the president of the Board of Directors and Ms. Garrett worked in the office. Mr. Garrett was a tribal elder and Ms. Garrett helped in many ways with events, programs and more.
Survivors include a brother (in-law), Edmund Eugene Hicks and wife Cherry of North Carolina; a son, Edwin Cornelius Garrett III and wife Robin of Maryland; and a daughter, Cynthia Lynn Garrett Clendenin and husband Raymond of Shinnecock; and five grandchildren, Parrisha LaNee Garrett of Virginia, Edwin Cornelius Garrett IV of Virginia, Ronald Maurice Garrett of North Carolina, Raymond Vincent Clendenin Jr. of Shinnecock, and Jessica Lauren Clendenin of Queens; a number of great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. Burial was at Shinnecock Cemetery.