Sandra Kay Garrett

Sandra Stevens Garrett, 82, of Van, Texas, passed away peacefully in Van on January 8, 2026, after a period of declining health.
She was born on October 8, 1943, in Mineola, Texas, and lived much of her life in Van, Denton, and Spring Branch. She was known for her strong personality, determination, and unmistakable presence. Sandra lived life on her own terms and left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Van, and later found spiritual homes at Asbury Methodist Church in Denton and the Chapel in the Cove in Spring Branch. She was a graduate of Van High School and went on to earn her licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). A lifelong learner, she also earned her Bachelor of Science degree and later her Master of Library Science degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton.
Throughout her marriage, she worked side by side with her beloved husband, Dr. W.J. Garrett, caring for the citizens of Van, Texas, in his medical office and at Van Healthcare (previously known as Villa Siesta). They were also active supporters of Mercy Ships in Lindale, Texas. Together, they shared not only a profession of service but a life of deep partnership. In work and in love, they were inseparable, doing nearly everything together.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, D'Lana Bailey, and her husband, Robert Bailey, of Saint Augustine, Florida; her granddaughter, Amelia Arthur, of Denton, Texas; and her brother, Bobby Stevens, and his wife, Judy Stevens, of Cedar Park, Texas. Through family and marriage, Sandra is also survived by many stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She will be fondly remembered by her great-great-granddaughter, Collins Leggett, and great-grandson, Bennett Bailey, whom she loved dearly but did not have the opportunity to meet.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 32 years, Dr. William J. Garrett, Jr.; her parents, Anna Huntley Stevens and A.M. "Steve" Stevens; her sister, Suzanne Stevens Sanders; and her nephew, Blake Sanders and his wife, Kathy Sanders.
The family extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to her stepdaughter, Rev. Mary Ann Garrett, and her husband Bill Ashby of Fredericksburg, Texas, her grandson, Michael Thying, Jr. and his wife Susan Thying of Ben Wheeler, Texas, her great-granddaughter Emily Thying Leggett and her husband Parker Leggett of Abilene, Texas, and very dear friends, Patty and Chuck Kotlarz, Dian Shelton, Dana Cotton, Karen Pyle, Jennifer Anders Cole, Phyllis McCaffrey, and others for visiting her in her final days- your presence mattered more than words can say.
The family is profoundly grateful to the caregivers at Van Healthcare and the hospice professionals at Kindful Health who walked her through her final days, ensuring comfort, dignity, and peace. Their compassion and devotion to humane care were a true blessing during this difficult time.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Instead of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions in her honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.