Dr. Clayton W. Garrett

Rensselaer-Dr. Clayton W. Garrett, Ed. D., affectionately known to his grandsons as "Gogo," passed away peacefully after a short illness on December 28, 2025, at the age of 86.

Clayton resided at East Wyck Village in North Greenbush. An avid traveler, he embraced learning, culture, and connection throughout his life-values that shaped both his personal and professional journey.

He was a proud graduate of I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, class of 1957. Clayton continued his education at Howard University and later earned a doctorate in Adult Education from Virginia Tech, reflecting his lifelong commitment to scholarship and teaching.

Clayton dedicated his career to higher education and leadership. Most recently, he served as a Dean and Professor at Strayer University in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, he worked at Northrop and Control Data, contributing his expertise and leadership across multiple professional fields.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia (Miller) Garrett; his son, Jevon L. Garrett; his daughter-in-law, Elaine Garrett; and his cherished grandsons, Augustus and Alexander. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Carlton Garrett, Alton Garrett, Earnest Garrett, Eartha Alexander (Garrett), and Cavan Garrett, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Abraham and Olga (Williams), Clayton was predeceased by his sister, Earlena Vaughn.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., with burial immediately following at Bloomingrove Cemetery in Defreestville. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Clayton's name to the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.