On Sunday, October 1, 1972, God allowed an angel to be born to the union of Freddie and Virginia Garrett. Teena Ta-Nisha Shirre’ Garrett made her appearance in a grand way. Teena was known as Neena by most of her family and friends. She was the only girl born to Tina and Freddie, and she was a princess to all of us.
As a young child, Teena had the opportunity to dedicate her life to Christ. She loved going to church with her family. She sang in the choir and was an active member of the usher board at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The foundational principles of the church were instrumental in Teena’s life. Teena was formally educated in the San Diego Unified School District. She attended Balboa Elementary School and later attended O’Farrell School of Performing Arts. She was a skilled and graceful dancer who also enjoyed acting, playing the flute, and being a good friend to many. Teena had the opportunity to audition for the part of ‘Little Tina’ in the show Fame. She graduated from James Madison High School. At Madison High, Teena was a very proud member of the Warhawk drill team.
After high school, she attended San Diego City College and later Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). On December 22, 1998, a bundle of joy was brought into the lives of Teena Garrett and Brian Jones. Their daughter Teanna Zephyr Marie Jones was born! Teena adored her daughter and was proud of her new role as Teanna’s Mommy. The two of them were inseparable. Teena loved and cared for her daughter with all the love a dedicated mother could possibly give. Teanna was her prized possession and the greatest accomplishment of Teena’s life.
Teena loved to read and talk! She could be found reading novels while relaxing in her bed. Her love for reading gave her knowledge about many things. This knowledge worked perfectly with her love of having long conversations with anyone she met. Her gift of gab also allowed her to land any job she applied for. She would easily convince her employers of her worth. She shared this gift with her family and friends also. Her caring and compassionate demeanor were some of the reasons her nieces and other family members were drawn to her. They depended on her wisdom and guidance.
She was God’s servant to all and could be counted on to open her heart and hands to anyone in need. Throughout her life, Teena had good and bad days, but she never threw in her towel. She was determined to live her life the way she wanted to, no exceptions. Teena was as free as a butterfly and just being in the same room as her made you happy!
On December 25, 2023, God called His angel into eternal rest.
Teena was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents; Thomas and Vinna Garrett, maternal grandparents; Leonard and Zephyr LaGrone Sr., father Freddie Runnell Garrett Sr., brother Marcus Marcell Runnell Garrett, and nephew Terrell Garrett.
She leaves to celebrate her life her mother Virginia Marie Garrett, brother Freddie Runnell Garrett II, daughter Teanna Zephyr Marie Jones, grandson Josiah-Cru Isaiah Jones, God-Sister Gloria Harris, nieces; Taylor, Shiloh, and Winnie, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
