Brenda J. Garriott

CHARLESTON, IL – The Lord called Brenda Joy Garriott home to Heaven on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at her rural Charleston home, and in the comforting presence of loving family and friends.  Visitation will be held Friday, April 13, 2012 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston, with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating.  Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.   It is requested that memorial gifts in her honor be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to Curt Garriott for Lauren's and Emily's education.  Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.

 Brenda was born on June 15, 1957 in Beecher, Illinois and was a daughter of the late Curtis and Darlene (Stolzenbach) Biggs.  She married Curtis Garriott on July 21, 1979 in Sterling, Illinois.  Brenda is survived by Curt, her loving and devoted husband of thirty-two years; her daughters, Lauren and Emily Garriott, both at home; her brother, Dennis Biggs and her sister, Susan Biggs, both of Charleston; along with several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents Brenda was preceded in death by a brother, Leon C. Biggs and a sister, Colleen Biggs. 

Brenda earned her Bachelor's degree in Education and her Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Illinois University.  She has been employed with the Charleston School District since 1980.  The first fifteen years were spent teaching Special Education and since 1996 she has been employed as a school counselor.  She was a member of the Education Association at the local, state and national levels. 

Brenda was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston.  She was blessed with a servant's heart – she cared deeply for others and was always willing to help them in making life better.  Her desire and ability to help others enhanced her career as a gifted counselor.  She was proud to be a school counselor and her reward was in knowing that she was helping young children. 

She loved all animals and being outdoors.  She cherished her summers and used that time to nourish special friendships.  During those summer months Brenda always sported a great tan as a result of fun-filled afternoons with her "swimming pool gang" of friends.  

Brenda was most proud of her family and she loved them dearly.  She was overjoyed and felt that she and Curt were so blessed following the adoption of Lauren and Emily - her daughters were the light of her life.  Lauren and Emily were equally blessed with such a wonderful and devoted mother and role model – she leaves them with many special memories to draw from when patterning their own lives. 

Brenda deeply touched the lives of Curt, Lauren and Emily along with the rest of her family and friends in a loving manner that was positive and supportive.  Her marvelous sense of humor made Brenda a joy to be around and her smile was infectious.  They can embrace those endearing qualities along with their many memories to comfort them.