Official Obituary of
Veda Marie Garrick
May 4, 1939 ~ February 6, 2025 (age 85) 85 Years Old
Veda Garrick Obituary
Veda Marie Garrick, age 85, was born on May 4, 1939, to Mittie B. Jones and Henderson Harris, Jr. She passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, while under hospice care in the home of her daughter.
A longtime resident of Duncan, OK, Veda briefly attended Jack Yates High School in Houston, TX, before returning to Duncan to complete her education at Duncan High School. She graduated with the class of 1958 as part of one of the school's first racially integrated classes.
Following the passing of her husband, Veda pursued higher education as a non-traditional student at Cameron University. Initially attending to fill her time, she discovered a deep love for learning and thrived in the classroom. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in 1988, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. She then dedicated her career to helping others, working as a Youth and Family Counselor for Youth Services of Stephens County. Passionate about making a difference, she worked closely with pregnant teens and high-risk families until her retirement in 2000.
Veda's love for Christian music was undeniable-she found joy in turning up her favorite songs and worshiping with all her heart. To know Veda was to know her unwavering faith in Jesus, who was her foundation, strength, and greatest love. She felt closest to God when outdoors, tending to her plants, listening to Gary Oliver on repeat, and offering praise.
During her retirement, Veda's love of reading led her to write a fictional novel titled JELLO. Many of the characters and stories were inspired by the countless real-life interactions she had while counseling individuals and families.
Veda was a devoted member of St. Stephens Baptist Church in Duncan, OK, for most of her life, serving in various capacities. Later, Bethany Baptist Missionary Church became her spiritual home. Even when arthritis made clapping painful, she remained steadfast in her praise, bringing her beloved "sticks" (claves) to church-she always said the devil wasn't going to stop her from praising!
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Garrick, and her brother James Vernon Jones. Veda's memory will be cherished by her children, Derric Turner of Oklahoma City, OK, Tyler Garrick of Dallas, TX, and Cormie're (CorMarie) Bishop of Choctaw, OK. She also leaves behind two granddaughters, Tonico Brown of Oklahoma City, OK, and Taylor Bishop of Norman, OK, a son-in-love, Christopher Brown of Oklahoma City, OK, as well as a host of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and sister-cousins.
Veda lived a life of faith, love, and service-her legacy will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.
A funeral service is planned for 1:00 P.M., Thursday, February 13, at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church with Douglas Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the Henderson Harris Cemetery under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.
A longtime resident of Duncan, OK, Veda briefly attended Jack Yates High School in Houston, TX, before returning to Duncan to complete her education at Duncan High School. She graduated with the class of 1958 as part of one of the school's first racially integrated classes.
Following the passing of her husband, Veda pursued higher education as a non-traditional student at Cameron University. Initially attending to fill her time, she discovered a deep love for learning and thrived in the classroom. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in 1988, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. She then dedicated her career to helping others, working as a Youth and Family Counselor for Youth Services of Stephens County. Passionate about making a difference, she worked closely with pregnant teens and high-risk families until her retirement in 2000.
Veda's love for Christian music was undeniable-she found joy in turning up her favorite songs and worshiping with all her heart. To know Veda was to know her unwavering faith in Jesus, who was her foundation, strength, and greatest love. She felt closest to God when outdoors, tending to her plants, listening to Gary Oliver on repeat, and offering praise.
During her retirement, Veda's love of reading led her to write a fictional novel titled JELLO. Many of the characters and stories were inspired by the countless real-life interactions she had while counseling individuals and families.
Veda was a devoted member of St. Stephens Baptist Church in Duncan, OK, for most of her life, serving in various capacities. Later, Bethany Baptist Missionary Church became her spiritual home. Even when arthritis made clapping painful, she remained steadfast in her praise, bringing her beloved "sticks" (claves) to church-she always said the devil wasn't going to stop her from praising!
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Garrick, and her brother James Vernon Jones. Veda's memory will be cherished by her children, Derric Turner of Oklahoma City, OK, Tyler Garrick of Dallas, TX, and Cormie're (CorMarie) Bishop of Choctaw, OK. She also leaves behind two granddaughters, Tonico Brown of Oklahoma City, OK, and Taylor Bishop of Norman, OK, a son-in-love, Christopher Brown of Oklahoma City, OK, as well as a host of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and sister-cousins.
Veda lived a life of faith, love, and service-her legacy will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.
A funeral service is planned for 1:00 P.M., Thursday, February 13, at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church with Douglas Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the Henderson Harris Cemetery under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Veda Marie Garrick, please visit our floral store.
© 2026 Whitt Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility