On September 15, 1929, a baby girl was born to the late Tommy & Artimese Dokes in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  She was the eldest of six children (Ruthie, Bernice, Earlean, Cynthia & Mildred).

As a little girl, Verdie was known for her quiet, easy-going nature and warm smile.  Being the eldest, she shared in the responsibilities of helping her younger sisters and managing the household.  Her greatest joy in life was to love people and do whatever she could to make life worth living for others.

The Dokes family moved to Oakland, California in 1943; she attended Oakland Public schools and graduated from Oakland Technical High School.  Her family united with the Williams Chapel Baptist Church of Oakland, under the pastorage of the late Rev. Williams.  At an early age, Verdie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and was baptized at Williams Chapel by the late Rev. Williams

In 1954 she met and married the late Dr. Ross D. Garrison Sr.  To this union six children were born; five children were from a previous marriage. Verdie was very proud of her beautiful children: Her first born were twins.  Eddie, who preceded her in death, and Verdie.  Later came Helene, Theresa, Emeal Jr., Sheila, Rose, Kim Loretta, Charlene, Lottie and Ross Jr.

Mother Garrison was not only a mother to her ten living children, but she was a mother and friend to many.  She opened her home and her heart to receive anyone in need of a dwelling place, or refuge in the time of trouble.  Often people would ask her "How many children do you have?"

In the early 70's Mrs. Garrison was nicknamed "Mrs. G" by a close friend of the family Mr. Jimmy Tidwell; ever since, young and old, small and great (including her children and other family members), have referred to this epitome of a black woman as such.  "Mrs. G" was known by many as a woman who knows how to call on the name of Jesus and get results.  She was a true example of what she believed.  "Mrs. G" was a woman of great faith and trust in the God she served.

Mother Garrison experienced many mountain and valley experiences during her 68 years, but her testimony always remained "Through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, and I've learned to depend upon His word.

During forty-three years of ministry, Mother Garrison did whatever her hands found to do with all her might.  She was the Co-founder of Good Samaritan Baptist Church, President of B.T.U. and the Ruth Circle, Sunday School Superintendent, Bible Teacher of the Christian Women's Ministry, Musician, Secretary, and member of the Choir and Usher Board.

She served faithfully from 1954-1986 with the St. John Baptist association (Nurses and First Aid; Matrons Auxiliary and the Music Department), under the leadership of moderators, Dr. Green and Dr. H. F. Dean, and the California Baptist State Convention under the leadership of President Dr. S. M. Lockridge.

On the third Sunday in August 1982, Dr. & Mrs. Ross D. Garrison, Sr. retired as senior pastor and they served as Pastor Emeritus.

On May 14, 1985, (the day before he passed) through the anointing of the Holy Ghost, Dr. Garrison prophesied to his wife and children:
"Cookie (as he affectionately called her), the Lord spoke to me that He called you into the ministry to preach the gospel, but for fear and traditions, you have held back.  You must do what God has told you to do regardless of what man or woman says."  And it came to pass.  Mother Garrison was licensed and ordained as an Elder of  Good Samaritan Christian Fellowship under the leadership of her son, Apostle Ross D. Garrison, Jr.

Mother Garrison worked as diligently with her son as with her husband.  She served on the General Board of Directors, Sunday School Superintendent, Usher Board, and started Monday Night Intercessory Prayer.  Doing whatever her hands found to do, she served faithfully to the glory of God.

She lived the life she talked and preached about.  She was faithful to the Lord, and to the Lord's people until the Lord called her from labor to reward on Friday, October 17, 1997.