Lorraine Kratz Garrett

Lorraine Kratz Garrett passed away on September 7, 2026 after a long and fulfilling life of 98 years.  She was born on June 17, 1928, in Birmingham, Alabama to Rudolph and Minnie Kratz. At a young age, she moved with her family to Jacksonville, Florida, where she grew up in the Springfield area and ultimately became a proud graduate of Andrew Jackson High School.  After graduation, she met and married the love of her life, Cary P. Garrett.  They celebrated 77 years of marriage before his passing in 2025.

She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was lovingly known to her family and grandchildren as “Oma” – a nod to her German heritage. She was an amazing cook and baker, bringing the family together for delicious meals like pork roast with collard greens, okra, or other vegetables from her garden.  She was famous for her potato salad and apple cake – which no one has ever been able to successfully replicate. She also had a green thumb, as demonstrated by a bountiful garden of vegetables in the backyard and a gorgeous floral landscape, making her yard one of the prettiest in the neighborhood.

Besides her love of gardening, she loved working with her hands, including sewing, making all kinds of decorative crafts, crochet, ornaments, and quilting.  Over the years, other favorite activities that brought her joy were boating and fishing; going to the beach in the evening to have fried chicken picnics; traveling to spend time at Beachcomber in St. Augustine in an RV; afternoons sitting on the front porch glider with the newspaper, coffee, and cookies; playing Bingo, cards, or dominoes; and watching football – especially cheering for the Jaguars, the Gators, and Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs. She looked forward to seeing the Wheel of Fortune every evening and Saturday night hamburgers with a Dr. Pepper.

Lorraine was a true child of the Great Depression.  She was never wasteful, never complained, and truly appreciated every thing that she had.  She was kind, giving, and very social.  She loved talking with others and loved to tell stories about her family and life. Her memory was truly impressive. She always had a calming presence, a listening ear, and a bowl of ice cream ready for anyone that needed it.  Above all, she loved her family dearly.

She is survived by her sons, Gary T. Garrett (Alison) and Michael W. Garrett (Jeanine), 6 grandchildren, Jennifer Williams (Chris), Greg Garrett, Chris Garrett (Katie), Carrie Sutter (Matt), Clay Garrett (Jessica) and Cory Garrett (JoAnna) and 11 great-grandchildren, Jeramiah, Lillian, Ethan, Celia, Clara, Connor, Ronin, Bruce, Rudy, Adeline, and Finn.

A family graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 9:30am at the Evergreen Cemetery 4535 Main St. N. Jacksonville, FL 32206

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you wish, please plant something beautiful in your own garden or somewhere of your choice, as a living memory of her beauty, positivity, and strength.

She will be missed and lovingly remembered always.