Obituary
Garnett Darleen Averett was peacefully called home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in Deltona, Florida, at the age of 80. She was born on December 2, 1943, in Arcadia, Florida, to Jesse Carl Townsend, Sr., and Hazel Melinda Townsend. At an early age, Garnett moved with her family to Freeport, New York, where she grew up and created many lasting memories.
Garnett attended Cleveland Avenue Elementary School with her siblings before graduating from Freeport High School. She was a faithful member of the Second Baptist Church in Freeport, where she sang in the choir and was an active part of the community. Family fishing trips with her siblings and Aunt Erma were among her favorite memories, where they spent hours digging for worms and preparing side dishes to complement their fresh catch.
In 1959, Garnett met the love of her life, Donald Britt Averett, at a Christmas party. After two years of courtship, they were married on October 6, 1962, in Freeport, New York. Together, they were blessed with three sons: Donald Britt Jr., Darren James, and Anthony Troy. The family lived in East Elmhurst, New York, before moving to Laurelton, Queens, in 1969. During their 34 years in Laurelton, Garnett and Donald raised their family with love and devotion, witnessing their children grow, marry, and start families of their own.
Garnett was a devoted homemaker, creating a home filled with love, warmth, and faith. A devout Christian, she instilled strong values in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, teaching them the golden rule and guiding them to live with integrity and kindness. Known for her "green thumb," Garnett filled her home with plants and shared her knowledge with friends and family, helping them nurture their own. Later, she found fulfillment as a Teacher’s Aide, where her gentle spirit touched the lives of kindergarteners, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.
After Donald's retirement, the couple relocated to Deltona, Florida, in 2003, where they enjoyed an active life together, particularly their love for bowling. Garnett and Donald joined several bowling leagues and won numerous trophies over the years.
Garnett is survived by her sons Darren and Anthony (Troy); daughters-in-law Margarita and Brenda; her brother Jesse and sister-in-law Tina; her sisters Mabel and Erma; her beloved grandchildren: Tameka, Donald III, Jonathan, Whitney, Courtney, Justin, Anthony Jr. (TJ), Michael, and Brianna; great-grandchildren Keren, Ezekiel, and Eliana; and in-laws William, Nora, Deloris, and Ronald. She is also survived by many nieces including Carl, J.C., Rhonda, Dorelle, Stephanie, Michael, Tanya, Germaine, Deighton, and Lonyetta (Yae Yae). Adoptive grandchildren Kirk, Candice, Akil, Jawara, Naphtali, Rasheedy, Monifa. And dear friends, including Henry and Dee Ellison, Gloria Edwards, Beresford and Angela McDonald, Jean Harris, Tom and Kathy Snowburger, and Reuben and Lisa Colon.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Sr.; her son Donald Jr.; her brothers-in-law Leonard, Ronald, and Lonnie; and her nephew Jerry.
Garnett will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.