Ms. Garrett had arranged to donate her body to the Medical Education & Research Institute through its Legacy of Life Donor Program.

She was born November 14, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of the late Lester Damon and Angie Forrest (Hoffman) Alexander. She had been employed at the former Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and retired as furniture manager at Big Lots in Union City. She was of the Baptist faith.

Ms. Garrett is survived by three daughters and one son-in-law, Michelle Garrett of the Shawtown community, Cinnamon and Jamie Wilson of Martin and Ginger Alexander of Hickman, Kentucky; her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Pearl Alexander of the Shawtown community; ten grandchildren, Sabrena McDaniel of Friendship, Chris Boulanger II serving with the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, Wesley McDaniel of Dresden, Breeanna Merryweather of Jacksonville, Illinois, Kayra Alexander of Hickman, Kentucky, Heath Richee serving with the United States Army in Savannah, Georgia, Tori Pease of Halls, Gabby Alexander of Hickman, Kentucky, and Cody Wilson and Savannah Wilson both of Irvington, Alabama; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her infant brother, Ronnie Max Alexander.

A celebration of life service for Ms. Garrett will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 6, 2011, in the chapel of Edmaiston-Mosley Funeral Home. Brother Dewayne Thomas will officiate.

Visitation will follow the service.

The family requests that those attending please wear bright colored clothing for the visitation and service in honor of Cecelia because this is a time to celebrate her life lived not a time to mourn her death.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to: Genesis Donor Program, Medical Education & Research Institute, 44 South Cleveland, Memphis, Tennessee 38104.