Mrs. Jackie English Garrett, age 76 of Thomaston, died Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Heritage Inn Nursing Home in Barnesville, Georgia.

Mrs. Garrett was born on August 1, 1950, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Manor Lambert Brigman, and the late Mary Frances Jackson. She worked for the Upson County School System as an Administrator's Assistant and was of the Baptist Faith.

She was a sweet, Southern, classy lady with just a touch of “bougie” and a personality all her own. She was one of the few women who could pull off a windsuit with heels and glamorous jewelry, and she loved anything with sequins, lace, sparkle, or a little extra bling. Her shiny flip-flops were apparently appropriate for every season—even the cold ones. She was rarely seen without her makeup, whether she was heading out for the day or simply walking to the mailbox, and she firmly believed a good tan was worth working on year-round. She loved the beach, the pool, sunshine, and anything that involved a little shopping. Dollar General and Cato will certainly miss her.

She was a woman who loved people and made lasting connections wherever she went. There are so many people in this community who have a connection to her. From babysitting local children to working in the school system, she had a special way of making children, parents, and coworkers feel cared for. She treasured the relationships she built throughout her years at Rock Hill Elementary, Upson-Lee Primary, and Upson-Lee Pre-K, and held a special respect for Dr. Jerry Helms and his family, whom she worked alongside for many years.

Her life was full of service, competition, creativity, and plenty of fun. She was a Girl Scout leader, recreation cheerleading administrator, Sunday School teacher, softball coach, and church softball and volleyball player. She was competitive enough on the court and field to earn the nickname “MarmaDuke” from some of the guys. She loved walking for exercise and, as a child, even learned to play the accordion—a talent that shocked her children and grandchildren.

She loved Elvis and insisted that she once met him at a concert and that he told her she was pretty. Her family was never completely sure it was the Elvis, but she was—and that was good enough for everyone else. She also loved to chew gum, shop, and, whenever anyone called to ask what she was doing, she almost always answered, “Cleaning.”

She was an instinctive cook who never seemed to need a measuring cup or a recipe. Her family is still trying to recreate the magic of her goblin bread, meatloaf, dressing, and barbecue sauce. But more than anything, she loved her family dearly. She adored her grandchildren, treasured every moment with them, and was especially proud of her favorite son—her only son, of course.

She leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with laughter, sunshine, sparkle, good food, strong opinions, fierce competition, and unconditional love. She was completely and unapologetically herself, and there will never be another quite like her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Paul Garrett, the father that raised her, William Frank Teal, brothers, Terry and Jimmy Brigman, nephews Michael Queen, Danny Brigman, and the father of her children, Ralph English

Survivors include her daughters, Karen (Wayne) Puckett of Thomaston, Kelly (David) Montgomery of Thomaston, Kayla (Mary) English of Thomaston, step- daughter, Erin Garrett of Pike County, son, David (Kacie) English of Thomaston, sister, Patsy (Al) Queen of Athens, twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.donorservices.Alzheimer's Association .