[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 37 (Friday, March 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO WILLIE BENSON GARRETT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2003

  Mr. BACA. Speaker, it is with deep affection that I pay tribute to 
the life of Willie Benson Garrett, longtime San Bernardino community 
and political leader and dear friend. Willie passed away in the comfort 
of his own home at the age of 75 on February 28, 2003.
  Willie was born in San Augustine, Texas. He graduated from San 
Augustine Colored High School and from H. M. Morgan Barber College. He 
later moved to San Francisco where he graduated from Marinella Beauty 
College. He then enlisted and served in the Merchant Marines for two 
years, after which he was honorably discharged.
  In 1957, Willie moved to San Bernardino where he has resided for the 
past 46 years and where he began his lifelong commitment to public 
service. Garrett's Barbershop earned recognition as one of the most 
successful barber businesses in the area and was the catalyst for 
Willie's commitment to the betterment of his community. Garrett's 
Barbershop became the central point within the community where many 
local leaders discussed political, economic, social and other issues.
  As a community and political activist, Willie was President of the 
NAACP, supported the League of Mothers, helped establish WAG, was a 
member of The Black Democratic Club, was the Best Yet Promotions 
Political Campaign Advisor, and managed the Westside Drop-In Center in 
the City of San Bernardino. For his many contributions, Willie received 
the ``Man of the Year'' award for San Bernardino, received the 2001 
NAACP Community Activist Award and received the ``Role Model of the 
Year'' award by WAG.
  Willie did not let his retirement stop him from making sure the well 
being of his community continued to be a priority. Willie was a member 
of the New Hope Baptist Church and more recently the impetus behind 
seminars and workshops on prostate cancer, diabetes, and other health 
issues relevant to women and men through support garnered from Kaiser, 
Community Hospital, The VA and Loma Linda Hospitals. He also provided 
leadership to the camping program of the local 4-H youth program for a 
number of years and helped pave the way for Native Americans to help 
teach to the 4Her's.
  Willie credited his success to the grace of God and to the support of 
his loving wife, Constance Garrett, of over 20 years. His 2 daughters, 
Bertha Hilburn and Patricia Scott, 2 sons, Shelley Garrett and Craig 
Garrett Cramer, 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, Erma 
Jean Stafford, Ruth Stewart and Freddie Bivins and 2 brothers, Earnest 
and Leonard Garrett, also survive him.
  Willie Benson Garrett has left behind a wonderful legacy of community 
and political activism. The many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives 
and friends who loved him dearly will miss him. Willie touched us all 
with his kind deeds and leadership in our community. Barbara and I 
extend our deepest condolences to Willie's family. May God bestow his 
comfort upon them at this time.

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