Dorothea Mae Garrison

Dorothea M. Garrison of Fairgrove, age 94, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro where she had lived for the past 17 years. Dorothea was a third generation Florida native born on April 7, 1926, in Palmetto, the daughter of the late T.B. and Clara Dorothea (Moritz) McRee. After graduating from Palmetto High School in 1944, Dorothea attended Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University) graduating with a degree in education in 1948.

Dorothea taught school for a year in Palmetto where she met Michigan farmer Jack E. Garrison who was on a winter vacation in sunny Florida. They married on August 12, 1950 at the Fairgrove United Methodist Church. Several years later, Dorothea continued her teaching career at Fairgrove High School and then Fairgrove and Akron Elementary Schools. She retired from teaching after 19 more years as a kindergarten teacher in Reese. Through the years she was the first teacher for some 1,000 Reese children and taught numerous more students in Akron-Fairgrove Schools.

Dorothea, a kind and compassionate Christian woman, served her church and community. At the Fairgrove United Methodist Church she taught Sunday School, was Sunday School Superintendent, and served as an organist. She was a member of the Fairgrove Library Board, a Girl Scout leader, and also served for several years teaching in the summer migrant education program in Unionville.

She loved music and arts and crafts (making baskets and painting) and watching the Florida State University Seminoles football games on television. In her first years at the medical care facility she enjoyed playing the piano for residents and staff. Dorothea's faith in Jesus Christ was evident in her life and she passed that lively faith on to her children.

Dorothea is survived by two children: JoAnn Stroffolino of Tallahassee, Florida and Thom (Karen) Garrison of Sebewaing; four grandchildren: Victoria and Marcello Stroffolino and Luke (Katrina) Garrison, and Sara Garrison; and two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Lydia. In addition to her parents, Dorothea was preceded in death by Jack (in 2019); one daughter, Sue; brothers Tom of Palmetto, Florida and Bruce of Bradenton, Florida, sister, Mona (McRee) Houp of Alma, Arkansas; and son-in-law, Joseph Stroffolino.

In keeping with Dorothea's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Fairgrove United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Butler officiating, on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 11am. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Fairgrove United Methodist Church.