Karen Garrett

Karen Ann Garrett was born on October 29, 1947 in Dallas, Texas. The Lord called her home and made heaven more beautiful on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

She is proceeded by her parents, Sam Robert and Mary Melba Irvine of Edom, Texas. She is also proceeded by her siblings, Fran Bradford and Richard Irvine.

She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 54 years, David Franklin Garrett. She is also survived by her oldest daughter, Angela Kalyn McAlester and husband, Troy of Bells, Texas; her middle daughter Kendra Michelle Dutschke of Dallas, Texas; and her youngest daughter Kristi Lynne Davidson and husband, Michael of Sherman, Texas. She has 5 beautiful grandchildren, Sarah Lynne Matey and husband, Trey, Garrett Davidson, Preston Dutschke, Chandler Dutschke, and Hudson Dutschke. She has 2 adorable great grandsons, Joseph and Zachary Matey.

Karen married the love of her life and joined forces in ministry with David on August 30, 1969. From the moment they met, music and ministry was their focus and love. Over the years, they served in churches, retreats, and ministry opportunities all over the United States. They aspired to share God's love with everyone they met, whether in a church or on an aisle in Walmart.

Karen served as an educator in Mesquite ISD and retired after 32 years of teaching. She loved all children, regardless of their age and wanted to help make everyone's lives better.

People would always comment on the beauty of her piano playing as she would make the instrument come alive. She had a way of ministering through her fingers on the ivories that silenced fears, soothed hearts, and blanketed the room in peace. She was an angel on earth.

Music wasn't just ministry outside the walls of their home, but enjoyed and played daily. On any given evening, David and Karen gathered at her piano with his guitar in hand and sang and worshiped to close the day. (Sometimes the singing sessions lasted into the wee hours of the morning.)

Karen had a heart full of empathy and kindness. Everyone spoke of her gentle and loving nature.

As a family, we hope you remember the love she had for you and hold onto the hope we all share that one day we will be reunited in heaven. She quoted her favorite verse often, Psalm 27:13-14. She loved the Word of God and kept it close to her heart.

"I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."