Evelyn Muller Garnett, age 104, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Martha Jefferson House, Charlottesville, VA.

She is, and always will be, our hero; our amazing Mom. She knew how to do everything right in life, and for over 104 years, in a most elegant way, she did just that. A long life well lived.

She was born in a blizzard in Brooklyn, NY, on February 2, 1920, to the late Mabel G. Muller and Edward A. Muller. She is survived by her devoted family—daughter Carol Garnett Craft, son James Edward Garnett, son-in-law Winfred O. (Fred) Craft, Jr., daughter-in-law Lynn K. Garnett; nieces Georgene Lockwood and Lynn Dreyer; four great nieces, two great nephews and three great, great nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 69 years, James Muscoe Garnett, as well as her brother Robert Muller (Lois), her sister, Carolyn Muller Schaardt (Fred); and nephew Robert Muller, Jr.

Evelyn graduated from Hollins College in 1942 with a degree in Philosophy and Economics. Evelyn and Jim lived in Evanston, IL for 5 years before moving to Garden City, NY where they resided for 30 years. In 1981, they retired to Charlottesville, Virginia.

Evelyn was very active in the American Red Cross. She volunteered her services for 10 years in the Nassau County, NY chapter and for 5 years in the ARC Central VA chapter where she was recognized with an award for her outstanding volunteer leadership as Co-Chairman of the Office of Volunteers.

Evelyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, served as a deacon, and was an active member of the Charlottesville Women’s Club, the League of Women Voters, the Miller Center of Public Affairs and the Hollins Alumnae Association. She was very active in community bridge groups where she made many wonderful friends. Her hobby was playing the piano, which she did by ear, and played as a volunteer at the Colonnades Westminster-Canterbury, Eldercare Gardens and community agencies.

The focus of her life was on her family; her husband, her two children and their spouses, embracing them all with love, support, and joy. She had many long-time friends. Evelyn was an astute investor, both in business and in relationships, nurturing those responsibilities for over a century. She knew goodness is the only investment that never fails.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she is loved beyond words, missed beyond measure. A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held in Charlottesville at the Wingfield/Garnett Family Cemetery at a future date.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to her wonderful and loving long-time caregivers Hazel, Teresa, Virginia, Donna, and Frances; and to the Hospice of the Piedmont; and to the health center at the Martha Jefferson House.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Services.