Garrett Sheron “Balou” Bartlett Sr., began his earthly journey on Dec. 12, 1955, in Williamsburg, and passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019. He was the oldest of seven children born to Ms. Helen G. Bartlett.
At a young age, Garrett was baptized and joined Oak Grove Baptist Church.
He was raised in “Cooktown” and attended York County public schools, until his senior year when he transferred to the Williamsburg-James City County Schools. After graduating from Lafayette High School, Garrett enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teletype communications operator, graduating at the top of his basic training class.
After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Garrett returned to Virginia, where he married the love of his life and best friend, the former Karen Michelle Simpson. This union was blessed with 42 years of marital bliss.
In 1983, Garrett studied Culinary Arts through the Colonial Williamsburg’s apprenticeship program, where he also graduated at the top of his class. In 1984, he traveled with his family to Washington, D.C., to work at the Ritz Carlton, where he became a master of culinary cuisine, serving President Ronald Reagan and other dignitaries. Upon his return to Williamsburg in 1985, Garrett completed management courses through Colonial Williamsburg Hotel Properties Inc. (CWHPI) and management training with Hospitality and Hotel/Restaurant Management, mastering in ice sculpting. During his 17-year tenure with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, he became an executive chef at the Christiana Campbell’s Tavern and King’s Arms Tavern.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Debra Bartlett; brother, Grayland Bartlett; grandparents, William H. and Mary C. Bartlett; uncle, Lloyd Bartlett; two aunts, Bernice G. Lee and Virginia B. Franklin; nephew, Devel Bartlett; and mother-in-law, Martha Simpson. God blessed the union of Garrett and Karen with two wonderful children to cherish his memories, Garrett Sheron Bartlett Jr. and Racquel-Leigh Bartlett; two precious granddaughters, Genesis Kamari Bartlett and Karizma Lshai Aaliyah Bartlett. His memories will also be cherished by his mother, Helen G. King; siblings, Kirkland Bartlett Sr. (Willnette), Angela Bartlett, Bruce Bartlett (Carlene) and Lenora Bagby (Donnis); sister-in-law, Veronica Wilson (Reggie); brother-in-law, Willie Simpson (Judy); two uncles, Price Franklin and Charlie Martin; two aunts, Iris Jimmerson and Mickey Gresham (John); a very special cousin, Miranda P. Sadler; hospice nurse, Polly Fulwider; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at noon, Saturday, July 13, at Whiting’s Chapel. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home by 11:30 a.m.
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