Judson Garrison III, ordained minister
Judson Garrison III, 73, of Millsboro was born Jan. 8, 1947, in Northampton County, Va., to Judson Garrison and Dorothy Christian-Garrison, as the second of their five children. In total, he had 17 siblings. He attended Northampton County High School, where he met Bertha Johnson, who became his high school sweetheart. In July 1965, “Jimmy,” as he was often called, married Bertha. From this union six children were born, two of whom went to heaven in infancy.
He began working for the R&G Construction Company as a lineman. In 1966, the couple moved to Delaware, where he began working at Paramount Poultry. He eventually went into the construction field working for Anderson-Stokes in Rehoboth Beach. Around 1972-73, he became self-employed as a general contractor in the Bethany Beach area, maintaining residential-beach area properties. He was partnered with Alton Rogers, and eventually took over the business when Mr. Rogers passed away in the early ‘80s. His work ethic allowed him to maintain and grow the business to dozens of steady residential clients, as well as a host of transactional clients.
More important than his work life, Jimmy’s family and spiritual lives were deeply intertwined. He gave his life to the Lord in June 1967, and thus began his long commitment to God and his eventual life’s work. In 1978, he helped to start the fledgling Missionary Baptist Church, and soon became a deacon. While there, he performed his duties with devotion, and would periodically deliver sermons as allowed by his pastor and mentor, Henry Bull. In 1991, Judson became an ordained minister and took over leadership of the church after the passing of Minister Bull the year before. He was faithful in his service to the church until recently, due to declining health. His dedication and service to God was evident in that he almost never made plans for the future without saying, “If the Lord is willing.”
Judson is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Bertha Johnson-Garrison; three daughters; Patricia Stull (Clarence “Curt”), Tynice Duffy (Daryl) and Arletria Renee Hickman (Russell); two sons, Michael Garrison (Melanie) and Kevin Garrison (Tracey); former son-in-law, Terry Henry; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and a host of siblings, nieces and nephews. Judson was privileged to also have additional spiritual children, including Glena Garrison (Marcia Whaley), Carla Hull, as well as an adopted granddaughter, Adriana “Iani” Harris; and an adopted sister, Mattie Farlow.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday July 18, at 11 a.m., at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt Joy Road, Millsboro. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to service.
To offer words of comfort and sign the guest book visit http://www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional service entrusted by Bennie Smith, Millsboro.
