Gayle Nettie Garbett

Our beloved Mom passed peacefully on June 17, 2020.  She was surrounded by her three children and Sebring family in her home, which she loved.  She lived independently virtually all her life.  She never wanted to impose on others.

She was known by many names—Gayle, Mom, Grammy, Gimmie, Auntie and “my sister”.  She was born in Detroit on April 28, 1928.  She moved to Miami Beach with her family at 16.  She was a cheerleader at Miami Beach High and a glamour girl.  That trait never waned; she always dressed to the hilt.

She attended Florida State University, then an all-girls school.  She married Lawrence L. Garbett and had three children, Lorrie Key (Ted), Robin Britt (Neil) and David Garbett (Seida).  She had two brothers, Hershel and Jerry Green (both deceased) and a sister, Phyliss Richter (living).

Her parents were Eva and Reuben Greenberg (deceased).  Her grandchildren are AG Yarbrough, Ashleigh Britt, Allie Crews, Adam Britt, Lauren Garbett and Pierce Garbett.  Her great grandchildren are Kaela Dunlap, Aleyah Dunlap, Emma Gayle Sevigny, and Avery Barker.

She had a wonderful and caring extended family, who treated her as their own mom.  Although she moved from Miami to Sebring later in life, no amount of distance ever made a difference.

She was particularly close to her nieces and nephew, Karen Green, Janice King, and Paul Green, and their families.  They enriched her life with their warmth, caring and many calls and visits.  There was never an occasion to which she was not invited.  Her loving nature and incredible enthusiasm made her the center of everybody’s world.  She was truly the “Queen”.

She had loving siblings and in later years her sister was her best friend.

She worked most of her life.  Her last job was her favorite, working with her nephew, Dr. Bradley Richter, at his veterinary clinic in Miami, where she was able to express her love for animals.

Her last four and one-half years in Sebring were her best.  She lived in a beautiful home minutes from her two girls.  She did not spend a single day alone.  Her Sebring family enveloped her and she enjoyed every minute.  She was so blessed to be helped by Sue Kaarella, who became a very special friend, and many caregivers who made her comfortable.

We will miss her spirit and smile. She was beautiful inside and out.  She lived life to the fullest and had an incredible will to live.  Rest in peace, Mom, we love you very much.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to:

Stephenson – Nelson Funeral Home

Sebring, Florida 33870

Online condolences can be made at:

www.stephensonnelsonfh.com