By Chris Mayhew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Garnett

ELSMERE - Wilhelmina "Billie" Garnett was known to many as "Pinky'' for the pink uniforms she wore working in the cafeteria in the 1950s and '60s at St. Henry elementary and high school.

Much of her life revolved around St. Henry Church. She answered rectory telephones, participated in prayer groups and served up daily lunches.

She became a member of the church in 1923 and married her husband, William, in the priest's parlor at St. Henry in 1934, said her daughter Nancy McGuire of Burlington. Billie Garnett was president of St. Henry Parent Teacher Association in 1956.

Mrs. Garnett died Sunday at Baptist Village Care Center in Erlanger. She was 91.

"She was involved in lots of prayer groups because she was very much a believer in God and very faithful to Him," her daughter said.

Mrs. Garnett shared with her husband a love of archery, and continued to practice until age 70, her daughter said.

In the 1940s Mrs. Garnett was for several years the women's champion for Northern Kentucky. She also competed in statewide archery contests.

Mrs. Garnett owned Garnett's Grocery on Garvey Avenue in Erlanger from 1947 to 1960. "She always had a smile for you," said her daughter.

Her husband died in 1998, and a daughter, Marilyn Finch, died in 1977.

Other survivors include her son, Raymond Garnett of Florence; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The funeral has been held.

Memorials: St. Henry Church, 3813 Dixie Highway, Elsmere, KY 41018.

E-mail cmayhew@enquirer.com