Mrs. Germene Berry Garr

Germene Berry Stewart Garr, affectionately called "Gerry", was born on November 18, 1930, to the union of Julius Graves Stewart and Alice Gillespie in Lexington, Kentucky. Gerry accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church in Lexington. Gerry received her formal education in Lexington and graduated from Dunbar High School in June 1948. After high school and following the death of her father, Gerry relocated to Detroit, Michigan with her mother and siblings. Gerry attended Lewis Business College, together with her older sister, Allene Stewart McClellan and graduated in August 1950. Gerry and Leonard Garr were acquainted with each other since childhood. Leonard was very good friends with Gerry's older brother, Julius Graves Stewart II. Their courtship began after Leonard relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gerry and Leonard began writing to each other after Leonard joined the United States Air Force. They courted almost entirely by letters to each other during the first several years of Leonard's military service. Both admitted that apart from their letters, they only actually went out on two dates. Gerry and Leonard were married on New Year's Day, January 1, 1952. From this union, they had three children, Leonard Jr. Andrea, and Alice. At the time of Gerry's passing, she and Leonard were blessed to enjoy 74 remarkable and loving years together. Gerry joined her husband in Milwaukee, WI upon his discharge from the U.S. Air Force in 1953. She united with St. Mark AME Church, where her husband, Leonard, was already a member. Gerry was an active member at St. Mark until her health declined, serving with a variety of ministries including the Senior Choir, the Women's Ensemble, and the Geraldine Bradford Women's Missionary Society, to name a few. Gerry worked for Milwaukee County, initially as a clerk typist and ultimately as an accountant's clerk and supervisor at the Behavioral Health Complex on Watertown Plank Road in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Gerry retired from Milwaukee County after 29 years of service. Gerry was known as a patient, kind, generous, and faithful woman of God, who never complained ... about anything. Her legacy will be treasured by all who knew her. Her influence extends beyond her biological family to include many chosen family members, church family and dear friends. Germene Berry Stewart Garr departed this life on April 28, 2026, at the beautiful age of 95. She was preceded in death by her: parents, Julius Graves Stewart and Alice Gillespie Stewart; siblings, Allene Stewart McClellan, Julius Graves Stewart II, and Mary Stewart Turner; siblings-in-Iaw, William McClellan Sr., Elizabeth Stewart, and Nathan Turner Sr.; and son, Leonard B. Garr Jr. "Sonny". She is survived by her loving husband of 74 years, Leonard Garr Sr.; daughters, Andrea Garr Mastricola (Anthony) and Alice Garr Spann (Kelby); grandchildren, Chloe Germene Spann, Kelby Spann II, Cameron Spann and Gabriela "Gabi" Mastricola; and one great grandson, Zion Williams; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Mrs. Germene Berry Garr

November 18, 1930 - April 28, 2026