MAEGARRETT

Born Sept. 14, 1932, she was a native resident in Rockbridge County.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Woodson Rhodes Sr. and Theresa McKinney Rhodes. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Ruby, Claude Jr. “CW,” Mildred, Faye, and Franklin; her husband, Calvin Lewis Garrett; and her son, Claude Allen Johnson.

Known to everyone as Mae, she was a familiar and friendly face wherever she went. Mae spent many years working for Reeves Brothers Vulcan Plant in North Carolina, with most of her career dedicated to the Buena Vista facility, totaling more than 30 years of service. Even after retiring, she wasn’t one to slow down. She worked part-time at Natural Bridge and later at Des Champs Technologies, where her gift for conversation shined — she truly never met a stranger.

Mae loved being outdoors and trying new adventures. She enjoyed bird watching, playing on her company’s softball team, and making apple butter with her sister Millie at the Effinger Volunteer Fire Department. She shared many happy camping trips to Smith Mountain Lake with her twin sister, Faye. Some of her favorite memories included flying in a small Cessna plane over her beloved Arnolds Valley and taking a hot air balloon ride with Balloons Over Rockbridge.

She made many trips to Florida over the years, and one of her last big adventures was a special vacation to Disney World in 2023 with her granddaughter, Stephanie. At home, Mae loved spending time doing puzzles with her daughter, Elizabeth, and son-in-law, George, with whom she lived for many years. In her later years, she could often be found working word search books, keeping her mind sharp and her days full.

Mae’s life was filled with curiosity, laughter, and connection, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mae is survived by three children, Elizabeth Headley (Geo), Morris Johnson (Donna) and Karen Johnson. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Brian Johnson, Shannon Goode (Jason), Amanda Dingess (Brandon), Chris Johnson, Kevin Henesy (Leah), Scott Johnson and Stephanie Harlow; as well as 11 great-grandchildren.

The family will plan a celebration of life at a later date.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory. NG