Obituary: Evelyn and Edwin Garrett of the Shinnecock Indian Reservation Die

Evelyn Inez Garrett and her husband Edwin Cornelius Garrett Jr., both of the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, died within three days of each other earlier this month.

Evelyn passed away on October 1, 2015 and Edwin died on Sunday, October 4, 2015. They were both 89.

Evelyn, affectionately called “Nana”, was born on September 21, 1926 in Piney Grove, Virginia to the late Hazel Sawyer Hicks and Edmond Hicks.

The family moved from Virginia to New York before the birth of their youngest child, Evelyn’s brother Edmund Hicks in 1934.

She attended Morgan State University where during her second year; she met Edwin.

Evelyn worked for the phone company for years until moving to Southampton where she worked in Southampton Intermediate School’s cafeteria as a cashier.

Edwin, affectionately called “Papa”, was born December 24 1925 in New York City, to the late Gwendolyn Cogbill and Edwin Cornelius Sr.

He served in the United States Air Force during World War II where he was stationed in the South Pacific.

Upon coming home he attended NYU College of Dentistry where he obtained a degree in Dental Prosthontics.

He worked with a host of dentists and non-profit organizations before opening his own practice in Harlem.

The Garrett’s were both very active members of the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum.

Edwin was the President of the Board of Directors and Evelyn worked in the office.

They were both also very active members in their community, Edwin being a Tribal Elder and Evelyn helping in any way that she could with events, programs, etc.

They are both survived by a brother (in-law), Edmund Eugene Hicks (North Carolina) and his wife Cherry; their son, Edwin Cornelius Garrett III (Maryland) with his wife Robin; a daughter, Cynthia Lynn Garrett Clendenin (Shinnecock) with her husband Raymond; and their five grandchildren, Parrisha LaNee Garrett (Virginia), Edwin Cornelius Garrett IV (Virginia), Ronald Maurice Garrett (North Carolina), Raymond Vincent Clendenin Jr. (Shinnecock), and Jessica Lauren Clendenin (Queens).

In addition, they are survived by several great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Visitation for the Garrett’s will take place on Wednesday, October 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Brockett Funeral Home on 203 Hampton Road in Southampton.

Services will take place on Wednesday, October 7 at the Funeral Home starting at 5 p.m. Reverend Michael Smith will be officiating.