Johnson-Garrett Family Reunion

September 20, 2018 - A gathering of the family of Andrew and Caroline Johnson (both deceased) completed its 57th annual Family Reunion on the weekend of June 15-17, 2018 in San Augustine  and Center, Texas. This family consists of the descendants of Andrew’s son and daughter: Frank Johnson and Fannie Garrett (both deceased). 

My grandmother was Frank and Emma Johnson’s sixth child, Sallie Ann, who married Edgar Garrett and they were residents of Center after moving from San Augustine County some seventy-five years ago.  (Edgar was one of the dedicated workers in St Paul Baptist Church in Center and worked in the Daniels High School) Frank had fourteen children and Fannie had thirteen children. 

The reunion began with a Father’s Day dinner for Henry Johnson, Franks’ third child. It was given by his two daughters, Vera and Emma and they invited his siblings. This date eventually became known as the Johnson Family Reunion and it soon extended to the weekend. Fannie’s family descendants heard about this reunion and joined in to make this become the Johnson-Garrett Family Reunion every Father’s Day Weekend. Therefore the descendants of Frank and his sister Fannie know they should prepare for their reunion in June every year. 

The reunion is attended by hundreds of family members with their friends each year and increase in numbers is expected each year. The Johnson-Garrett reunion has been held in several places in the San Augustine area including as far as Jackson Hill Lake. 

Each year the theme changes and shirts are designed to follow the theme. Beginning on Friday evening a meet and greet session is held and Saturday is when the big crowd shows up for a great feast of home cooked meal with catered meats, gumbo, crawfish, fried fish, and plenty desserts. Games, contests, dances, and prizes are also included. 

Who says a family can’t come together for a good time. WE CAN BECAUSE WE ARE THE JOHNSON-GARRETT FAMILY.