Eleanor Bowers Garrett Petty

Eleanor Bowers Garrett Petty, 100, of Staunton and formerly of Salem, passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2013. She was born on September 7, 1912 in Rural Retreat, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson Randolph Bowers and Brown E. Bowers; brother, Warren Brown Bowers; her first husband, Harry L. Garrett; and her second husband, Miller E. Petty. Eleanor is survived by one son, William L Garrett and his wife, Bonnie S.; one daughter, Nancy G. Duke and her husband, William F., Jr.; step-daughter, Mary Ann P. Morgan and husband, Charlie; granddaughters, Elizabeth G. Pollak and husband, Mike, Rebecca Garrett and husband, Dave, and Barbara L. Garrett; great-grandson, Kyle W. Garrett; great-great-grandson, Kabren Garrett; stepgrandson, William F. Duke III and wife, Krista; step-great-grandchildren, Vivien and Sadie Duke and Tom Morgan and Helen Clemens. Eleanor grew up in Radford, Virginia and attended Radford College. She began teaching public school at the age of 18. While teaching, she married her first husband and completed her B.S. degree from Radford. Eleanor was widowed in 1951 and raised her son and daughter. Eleanor taught school in Roanoke County and Roanoke City for forty-seven years and served as Principal for three years. She was a "Master Teacher" and taught the pilot program for kindergarten in Roanoke City when it was introduced in the state. She also taught kindergarten at Radford College for the students to observe. She was former President on the State Classroom Teachers Association. Eleanor was an active member of many civic organizations in Salem and Staunton. She was a member of the D.A.R., the U.D.C., the Womens Club, and the Staunton Garden Club. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Salem and Central Methodist Church in Staunton. She served on the Salem Civic Center Committee at its inception. Eleanor was also a former Salem Mother of the Year. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the S.P.C.A. at 1340 Baldwin Avenue Northeast in Roanoke, VA 24012. The Petty family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.