Melinda Jane Garrett
1952 - 2017
Melinda Jane Garrett
1952 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1952
DIED
2017
Melinda Garrett Obituary
With Melinda at the financial helm, HISD won a national award for excellence in financial management from the Council of the Great City Schools, and she earned the organization's Bill Wise Award for distinguished service to America's urban public schools.
Melinda was preceded in death by her parents William and Virginia Hyer and nephew William Paul Hyer.
Melinda is survived by her husband Richard H. Garrett. Also left to cherish her memory, is her twin sister Martha VanDenBossche, husband Monty, brother Bill Hyer and wife Melinda. She is also survived by her nephew Martin VanDenBossche and wife Crisabella and their children Allie, Martin and Ben, nephew Monty VanDenBossche and wife Daniele and their children Madison and Maison, niece Melissa Moorehead and husband Joseph and their children Lauren and Davin, niece Virginia Schmidt and husband Jeremiah and their children Hunter and Madelyn.
Melinda is also survived by numerous other loving family members. Regardless of her many professional accomplishments, her family always came first. Her family members will always remember her saying, "do the right thing".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michelle Smith
May 11, 2018
I think of Melinda so often as I watch HISD struggle, a real life example of how much her leadership is missed.
Mablean Warren
October 19, 2017
Melinda had an open door policy, walked softly, but carried a big stick, like my mama.
She had a great sense of humor, one morning I referred to her as Melinda Gates instead of Melinda Garrett.
Wm Earl Finley
October 13, 2017
Melinda Garrett was the greatest asset on the balance sheet the District ever had. The children came first with her before all things. She had high standards and expected the same daily from those around her.
leah doyle
October 9, 2017
So sorry to lose Melinda, She and Martha were best friends with myself & my sister Claire when we were little girls on Pine st.We had such good times and i have pictures from when they went to our lake house in grimes co.which i will post. My brother Tom & Bill were best friends for years also . My sister passed in 2006, so i guess Marty & I are the only girls left . I hope you can remember that she is in a better place now.
Love to all your family,Leah Atkinson Doyle
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Jeff Schlacks
October 7, 2017
Dear Dick,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your wife Melinda. I never had the pleasure of meeting Melinda, but you have always been a class act, and I am sure Melinda shared the same positive, friendly, dependable, and giving nature as yourself.
Sincerely,
Thelma Garza
October 7, 2017
I will miss this wonderful, giving,and generous lady. Throughout our years with the school district, we interacted professionally and personally and I was always in awe of her. I was so blessed to call her friend. Melinda, thank you for all you have given to so many. You will be missed.
Shellie Johnson
October 7, 2017
Such a high outstanding character to look up to and so well respected. Her legacy will be long live for years to come.
Jill Burtchaell
October 6, 2017
I worked with Melinda for many years. I always had a great respect for her as
a professional and as a friend. I will miss her greatly.
Cheryl Wilburn
October 6, 2017
RIP Mrs.Garrett.
Jacek Mrozkiewicz
October 6, 2017
"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come." R. Tagore (1846-1941)
Our thoughts and prayers for Dick and all the family.
Thalia Kruger & Jacek Mrozkiewicz
Doris Beutel-guthrie
October 5, 2017
I have known Melinda since kindergarten. She was a sweet , compassionate, loving woman. God will welcome her to heaven! God bless her family at this difficult time.
anne patterson
October 5, 2017
I knew Melinda with HISD. She was always a patient and kind to all of us non financial folks....she was so smart, but also so down to earth; also she had a great sense of humor and a ready laugh.....she was always there when I needed her. All the principals who worked with her, adored her, as did I. I loved looking at the pictures of her over the years on this site. Her quote, "Do the right thing." says it all. I will miss her tremendously. anne patterson, houston
Henrietta Reese
October 5, 2017
She was a very giving person. She was always willing to help when needed. I really enjoyed knowing her. When I asked for help and mentoring she did not hesitate to say yes and went on to assist me with my endeavors. Very sweet lady and she will be missed. "RIP" Melinda Garrett
October 5, 2017
Kind thoughts are with the family in your time of grief. May fond memories bring you comfort during these difficult days. Psalms 9:9,10
Leonard Sturm
October 4, 2017
I met Melinda when she was with KPMG and heading the group that performed the audit on HISD. She was such a good accountant that when the opportunity arose we asked Melinda to join the HISD finance office. She worked hard and won several national and state awards for her work in the district. For the last thirty years I have been proud to call Melinda a friend. She not only was very intelligent, but just as or more important, she had a wonderful personality. She liked people and showed it every day. I will miss her forever.
October 3, 2017
I knew Melinda through her husband Dick whom I worked with, we met at a few company functions, and I found her to be one of the most delightful women I had ever met and therefore one of the most memorable. She was intelligent, funny, well spoken and just all around a delight. You felt smarter after spending time with her.
My condolences to all who loved her the world has lost a good person
Debi Phillips
Rebecca Flores
October 3, 2017
I remember when I first started working at HISD, everyone was terrified of Mel. We were both working one weekend and I had to go talk to her about a legislative issue and was a bit intimidated. You had to know your stuff when you talked to her. I walked into her office and she had ABBA's "Dancing Queen" blasting....It surprised me but then over the years, I got to know this wonderful, complex lady. She was my mentor, friend and rock at HISD. I miss her terribly.
Sharon Eaves
October 2, 2017
Melinda was more than my boss, she was my good friend. I'll miss her terribly.
October 2, 2017
I'll miss you Aunt Mel.
Angela Olige
October 1, 2017
I met Melinda in 1987 when I went to work for HISD. She quickly became more than a boss to me. Melinda was truly a professional to be imitated. She was conscientious, ethical, and an expert in her field. Beyond that, Melinda was a true friend. I am the professional I am because of her support, guidance and mentorship. She brought me and my family into her familial fold and walked with me through trials in my life. Even when I left HISD, Melinda and I stayed in touch and remained friends. She was a giant in her field and a warm and caring individual. She will forever be in my heart. My prayers are with you Dick. Melinda, rest in peace.
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