Mrs. Jane Marsh Duke Garrett, age 79, a resident of 708 Mimosa Shores Road, Washington, died peacefully at her home Saturday, September 3, 2016.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00pm Thursday, September 8, 2016 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Chapel with committal in the Memorial Garden beside the chapel where she worshiped since childhood.

The Reverend Jim Reed will celebrate.

Jane was born in Washington, N.C. on December 21, 1936 to the late Dr. James Frank Duke and Lila Roper Duke. She was married to William Samuels Garrett on July 8, 1959 who preceded her in death.

Jane was a graduate of Washington High School, attended St. Mary’s Junior College and graduated from East Carolina College with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She was presented by the Terpsichorean Club of Raleigh at the 1956 North Carolina Debutante Ball.

As a young woman, Jane was an active community leader and was recognized in 1972 as an Outstanding Young Woman in America. She was a former member and past president of the Washington Garden Club and the Washington Council of Garden Clubs on a local, district and state level. She earned a Life and Master Flower Show Judge Certificate. Several photographs of her floral arrangements were selected to appear in the Garden Club of North Carolina Engagement Calendars.

Jane was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. She taught elementary school throughout Beaufort County and made learning fun for children. Later in her career she became a respiratory therapist, nurturing many patients at Beaufort County Hospital.

Jane was devoted to her family. Her grandsons Robin and Jonathan, lit up her world and she loved teaching them songs, music, art and card games. Jane loved animals especially her long time companions Woodrow, Tiger and Zoe.

Surviving are her sons, William Samuels Garrett Jr. and wife Nannette, Keith Garrett, and twin grandsons Robin and Jonathan Garrett. Also cherished are niece and nephew Jeannie Jones and family, and Phillip Trueblood and family.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.

Condolences may be addressed online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Garrett family.