Sandra Jean Garrett

Sandra "Sandi" Garrett, 81, passed away on June 22, 2026.

Sandi was born on Oct. 22, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to William and Bettye Cherry. She attended McClain High School in Tulsa as a member of its inaugural class.

A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Sandi had a lifelong passion for genealogy, particularly Cherokee genealogy and history. She dedicated countless hours to researching family histories and preserving ancestral connections within the tribe. Her work culminated in the publication of ‘Only the Names Remain,’ a series of genealogy books containing information from the Dawes Rolls, through her own publishing company, Cherokee Woman Publishing. She also enjoyed crafting and worked alongside a group of women known as the Crafty Ladies to create community cookbooks. In addition, she proudly served as Town Clerk for the Town of Spavinaw.

Sandi and her beloved husband, Forrest Garrett, shared 50 wonderful years together. They made their home in Spavinaw, where they built a house, raised a family and created a life filled with love and lasting memories. Together, they enjoyed camping, panning for gold and traveling.

A talented seamstress, jewelry maker and crafter, Sandi found joy in creating and sharing her talents with others. Her love of genealogy, history and creativity touched the lives of many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest Garrett; her parents, William and Bettye Cherry; and her brothers, Scott Cherry and Gary Lee Cherry.

Sandi is survived by her daughters, Cyndy Stephens-Garrett and Sonia Hardy, both of Claremore; her grandchildren, Sabrina Dubois and husband Jesse of Oologah, and Dylan Stephens and wife Darcy of Tulsa; and her great-grandchildren, Raylin Dubois, Garrett Dubois and Jackson Stephens.

Sandi will be remembered for her devotion to family, her passion for preserving Cherokee heritage and history, her creative spirit and the kindness she shared with everyone who knew her.