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Obituary For Gaylois Garrett
Gaylois Goens Garrett was born to John Wesley and Emma Jones Goens. She was a resident of Orange Mound, Tennessee, in a home that has been in her family for decades. Being a proud product of that historic community, she was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1957. From there, she attended Rust College. Using her talents as a soprano, she was a member of the renowned Rust College Singers and traveled with their choir nationally. With those accolades, music became an integral part of who she was.
As a follower of her Savior, Gaylois was an active member of Metropolitan Baptist Church. Until the declination of her health, she was an involved, supportive and valuable member of the Deaconess Board, Deborah Circle, Rebekah Club, September Birth Month, Metropolitan Trio and the Sanctuary Choir. She also took great pride in being responsible for Communion prep and service.
Gaylois was a faithful and loyal employee of Memphis City Schools for thirty years. She began her career as a member of the clerical department for multiple elementary schools. After retiring, she returned to work in Records at the Board of Education, from which she retired for good!
While maintaining a career, she gave birth to her only child, a son, Christopher Goens Garrett.
Along with her son, Chris (Kim), she leaves two granddaughters, Brytani (son-Tyson), Kobie (daughter-Payton) and two grandsons, Trenton and Kavien Garrett. She also leaves to mourn her passing, two bonus daughters, Tammy (Tony) WmsPower and Kesha Williams; her bonus grandkids, Antony, Ailyn and Kingston, along with family friend, Janice Ellis. She also leaves one nephew, John Wesley Goens III, and two nieces, Fredia Franklin and Charlotte Goens; and her childhood friends, Cynthia Hennings and Christine Johnson (members of Metropolitan Trio), who will also endure loss. Also cherishing her memory is a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.
Gaylois was preceded in death by her four siblings, Ernestine Spencer, John Wesley Goens II, Paul Goens and Emma Lue Story.
The family has scheduled a public viewing for Saturday January 17, 2026 from 9 am until service of celebration time 11a at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 767 Walker Ave. Interment will follow in New Park Cemetery on Horn Lake Rd.
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To the family and loved ones, my sincere condolences at the loss my friend. Gay Lois and I grew up together at Metropolitan Baptist Church; Sunday school, the Junior Choir. While I moved away from Memphis after graduating high school, whenever I returned home, Gay was always there to welcome me with open arms. She was faithful to her church; she loved Metropolitan and her church family, and we loved her. She was always there when called upon. The last time I actually saw her was at my younger sister's funeral when she read scripture.
May she rest peacefully in the cradle of God's eternal love. " To live in the hearts of those left behind, is not to die.". —- George P. Morris
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