Sarah Jane Garrison's Obituary
Our loving mother, Sarah (Sally) Jane Garrison, 89, of Fayetteville, passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. She was the oldest child of Neil and Margaret Ingels, born on October 13, 1931 in Orange, New Jersey. Her family moved from Evanston, Illinois to Fayetteville where Sally was studying at the University of Arkansas (UofA).
Sally met the love of her life, Jerol Garrison, at the Wesley Foundation on campus. During these years, Sally was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and selected to Mortar Board. She and Jerol were engaged shortly after graduating with degrees in Social Work and Journalism, respectively.
Sally began her work as a Social Worker in Imboden, Arkansas. She would visit country churches in the area and provide for their needs, even preaching at times. She cherished her unique work and made many friends. The lady from whom she rented a room even taught her to cook.
Jerol and Sally were married at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville on June 4, 1954. Jerol’s work took them to Evanston, Illinois, and Neosho, Missouri before settling in North Little Rock (NLR). They began “The Great Adventure” as Sally referred to the next 30 years of remarkable memories as a family with three daughters, Linda, Margaret, and Cathy. Our parents were very devoted and made life joyous and secure.
After the girls were in school, Sally started substitute teaching at Sylvan Hills Elementary School. She was a natural and the Principal urged her to get her teaching certificate and return to teach full-time. She took the girls to Fayetteville over a summer where they stayed with grandparents while she received her certificate in teaching from the UofA. She later acquired her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Her career in teaching spanned 23 years both in the third grade classroom and in the office as an Instructional Specialist. She started one of the first Gifted and Talented classes in Pulaski County.
Over the years, the Garrison family traveled and camped in most all of the National Parks. Girl Scouting was a large part of our lives with Sally as the leader and Jerol referred to as “Daddy Scout”. Together, they led the troop on many endeavors, including two trips to the Appalachian Mountains for several days of overnight backpacking and many canoe trips, including a three-day Buffalo River float into the White River.
Sally became a Master Gardener and served for many years. She loved bird-watching, a hobby she passed onto her girls. Sally had a passion for travel and managed to visit all seven continents. When Jerol retired, they traveled the world together with a fearless spirit.
After 50 years in NLR, Sally and Jerol enjoyed a beautiful home at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville. They were members of Central United Methodist Church and previously at Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church in NLR. They regularly attended the performances of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas along with plays and other arts in the community. They enjoyed their monthly Winers and Diners and Great Decisions groups and volunteer efforts with community meals.
Our parents’ love and generosity extended over the years to their daughter’s families and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, leaving us with a rich legacy of unconditional love and support.
Sally is survived by two daughters, Margaret Holaway and Cathy Stark(Mike); six grandchildren, Emily Richmond, Sarah Luz(Caio), Bryon Stark(Jordan), Neil Holaway, Sally Chew(Chris), and Matt Stark(Peyton); five great-grandchildren; brother, Neil Ingels(Judy); and sister-in-law, Nancy Larner. Sally is preceded in death by her parents, husband, beloved daughter, Linda Richmond, and great-grandchild, Mirielle Ellison Stark.
Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Friday, October 8, 2021 at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. Funeral service will be 10:00 am, Saturday, at Central United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens.
The family asks that masks be worn.
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