Deborah “Dede” Davisson Garrison, 73, of Greenwood, IN, died Friday, September 3, 2021, after a long illness. Dede was born on August 23, 1948, in Waynesboro, VA, to Edwin and Mary (Spilman) Davisson.

Dede attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, received her undergraduate degree from the University of Indianapolis, and her master’s degree from Indiana University. Dede taught English at Tri-West Middle School in Hendricks County, IN.

A competitive swimmer in high school, Dede continued to enjoy swimming for her entire life. She was active in St. Mary’s Altar Society of Frydek, TX, Hoosier Doll Collectors, and caring for her many cleverly-named cats and dogs.

Dede had a cheerfu outlook and loved people. She was a natura teacher, and an empathetic listener. Dede moved through life with extraordinary courage and grace and built a strong community of friends wherever she lived. She was a talented artist and an innovative craftswoman. Her thoughtful hand-written notes were treasured by family and friends.

As a child, she attended All Souls Unitarian Church in Indianapolis and converted to Catholicism when she married Doug Garrison.

In addition to her father, Dede is preceded in death by husbands Ray Lawless and Doug Garrison. She is survived by her mother Mary Davisson; son and daughter-in-law Ben and Natalie Phillips; granddaughters Elise and Corinne; sister, Mimi; brother, Ed “E.O.”; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Celebration of life services are Saturday, September 25, at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Greenwood Chapel at 3:00 p.m. There will be a visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. ET. The family asks that visitors wear masks for the safety of everyone.

In addition, an online live link will be available for the service starting at 3:00 p.m., and friends are invited to share their memories of Dede at the Wilson St. Pierre online guest book through their website, https://stpierrefamilyfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church or charitable organization of the donor’s choice.