Hyda Garrett

Hyda Lou Garrett was born August 24, 1944, in Rogers, AR to John and Edith (Franks) Waterman. She was born into poverty and challenging conditions. She never let that hold her back. She was also born with determination and motivation to overcome and that is exactly what she did. She studied hard and did well in school, despite being hungry most days. She graduated from high school and went on to interior design school and eventually went to culinary school. She married at a young age and had her only child, her precious daughter Kandi Baker. She eventually married the love of her life, Norman Garrett in 1986 in a beautiful ceremony in the Virgin Islands. The two of them traveled the world buying for their antiquities business, Garrett Galleries in Dallas, TX.

After the tragic loss of her husband, Hyda returned to her country estate in Dennison, TX and transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary, and created a very successful wedding venue. There she magically made beautiful spaces where people could gather to celebrate love and begin new chapters of their lives.

In 2016 Hyda moved back to her native home of Arkansas, bringing a lifetime of memories, experiences and a spirit that would continue to bless those around her. Hyda was a very private person, but if she let you in, you were there for life. Some have called her a force of nature: hurricane, hail, sunshine or gentle rain, I’m not sure which one they were referring to, perhaps all the above.

Over the past five years, Hyda rededicated her life to the Lord. She began to have peace and a contentment she said she had never experienced before. She found purpose in serving others. She began cooking for our food pantry workers on Wednesday nights and she loved to do it. She easily gave her time and love through those meals.

Hyda was a beautiful light in this world, a woman whose warmth, generosity, creativity and loving spirit touched so many. She had a special way of making people feel welcome and loved, and her presence brought beauty, comfort and joy wherever she went. Hyda loved animals, beautiful homes, wonderful food and above all, bringing people together. It brings a smile to my heart, thinking of Hyda, decorating the mansions in glory.