Obituary
Corinne Garris

CORINNE MARIE HESS GARRIS Corinne Garris, beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on September 20, 2021, just shy of her 95th birthday. She was born to Wayne and Lorna Hess in South Bend, Washington, on October 5, 1926. In the early 1940's her curiosity and ambition took her to California where she worked as a model, and it was there she met her future husband, O.B. Garris, Jr. After his service in the Navy they settled in his home state of North Carolina. They worked hard and together raised four children, three daughters and a son. Following their divorce, Corinne returned to Seattle and had a successful career with AT&T. After she retired she enjoyed trips to Australia. New . Zealand, and Egypt. She returned to Raleigh in 1999 to be closer to her daughters. m. Corinne was a poet at heart. Beginning at age 14 and into her 90's she wrote poems about her every-day experiences, her dreams, her family and friends. She loved finding "good deals" at swap meets and flea markets. She loved to read, and went to the library frequently. She enjoyed watching NASCAR and on her 80th birthday was treated to th "Richard Petty Driving Experience" in Concord, NC. She suited up, climbed into the car through the window, and enjoyed three laps around the speedway at 160 miles an hour. Of course, going in and out of the window was challenging but she loved every bit of it; and this was shortly after her five-way bypass heart surgery! She was fun and funny. In addition to her parents, Corinne was predeceased by her brother, Jerry Hess. She is survived by her children, Joy Boyette and husband Bruno Toffolo, Carolyn Hicks and husband Wayne, Randi Ostack and husband Walt, all in Raleigh, and her loving son, Garrett Garris and wife Alice in Everett, Washington. She will also be missed by her grandchildren: LaMarr Scott (Bill), Jason Hicks (Michelle), Luke Hicks (Christa) and Cameron Garris (Alyssa); her great-grandchildren: Noah Long, Ethan and Ella Hicks, Delaynie, Brynlie, Kynslie, and Makaylie Garris. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Claire Huff and husband Jerry in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, sister-in law, Mary Hess in Denver, Colorado, and nieces and nephews around the country. We want to thank the staff at Cadence North Raleigh, Doctors Making Housecalls, and Community Hospice for their support and care of our mom through these difficult times. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice. Or, just have a beer for Corinne.