Cornelia Jane Lyles Garrett

Cornelia Jane Lyles Garrett, 98 of Sulphur Springs passed away on March 27, 2025. There will be a graveside service at Clifton cemetery Monday, March 31st at 4:15 pm with Reverend Wayne Darty officiating.

Cornelia was born on November 21, 1926, in Oak Flat, Texas to William Taylor Lyles and Grace Vaughn Lyles. In 1942, she graduated from Oak Flat High School at 15 years old. In 1942, her father died, and the family moved to Henderson where Cornelia worked at the City of Henderson Water Department for seven years. She attended Stephen F. Austin State College and graduated with a degree in English and Education in 1954. She moved to Longview and taught Elementary school for four years.

In 1958, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee and completed a master’s degree in Blind Education from George Peabody College for Teachers. She then returned to Texas to continue her teaching career, working for many years with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), beginning with a position teaching visually impaired students at Ben Milam Elementary. Cornelia married Howard Garrett in 1961 at the First Baptist Church in Dallas, where they were active members for many years.

During her over 30-year career with DISD, Cornelia worked in a variety of special education positions. In 1976, she completed her Doctor of Education degree from East Texas State University in Commerce, broadening her impact developing programs and serving a wide range of children with special learning needs. In 1983, she moved to Emory and completed her teaching career in Miller Grove Independent Schools, retiring in 1987. Cornelia was an avid reader and enjoyed the Garden Club, and teaching Literacy. She was an active member in the County Line Baptist Church.

Cornelia was preceded in death by her husband Howard Garrett and her sister, Dena Rebecca Lyles Seymour and Howard’s niece Mary Lisa Garrett Vinson. She is survived by her three nephews and spouses: Dr. John W. (Carolyn) Seymour of Mankato, Minnesota, James R. (Cathy) Seymour of Missouri City, Texas and Thomas L Seymour (Dr. Robert Burress) of Houston, Texas. She is survived by five grandniece and nephews and one great grandniece; Christine Seymour Baumann (spouse Tim) of Minot, North Dakota, Meredith Seymour of Minnesota, Mitchell (spouse Frances, daughter, Cathy Colette), and Mason and Michael Seymour of Missouri City, Texas. In addition, she is survived by Howard’s nephews and niece and spouses: Dave L (Janie) Garrett of Coppell; Bill (Kay) Garrett of Point.

 Please consider making a donation to Literacy Texas at www.literacytexas.org or 406 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701 or the charity of your choice.