Erica White Garrett, a cherished mother, grandmother, partner, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, passed away on August 30, 2024, at the age of 57. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Erica spent her entire life in Overland Park, where she was deeply involved in her community and touched countless lives. Erica radiated kindness, generosity and dedication to caring for the well-being of her family and community.
Erica graduated from Rockhurst University in 1989 before earning her Juris Doctor degree from UMKC School of Law in 1993. She dedicated 27 years of her professional life to the Federal Bankruptcy Court as a career law clerk, where her dedication and expertise were widely respected.
Erica loved supporting local vendors and the community at the Downtown Overland Park Farmers Market. She took immense joy in preparing meals and hosting special events for her family and friends. Her culinary efforts made every occasion memorable, and she was adored for her thoughtful and generous spirit. She also gave generously of her time and culinary skills to St. Mary’s Food Kitchen, where she contributed to feeding those in need.
Erica is predeceased by her parents, Edward (Gene) and Ursula White, and brother Jerome. She is survived by her loving fiancé, Steve Mitchell; her son, William Brandon Garrett; her grandson, Lachlan Garrett; her sisters Angela Brill and Monica Westhoven (and her husband Steve); her brother Alex White (and his wife Bridget); her nieces Faith and Libby; her nephews Nick, Eric, Mitchell, Colin, and Alex Jr.; along with numerous aunts, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.
A Mass celebrating Erica’s life will be held at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Overland Park, KS, on Friday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be in the church prior to the Mass, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and gathering will take place in the church basement immediately following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UMKC School of Law “Student Emergency Funds, In Memory of Erica White Garrett” at law.umkc.edu/give. Checks can be made payable to the UMKC Law Foundation (with memo “Student Emergency Funds in Memory of Erica White Garrett”) and mailed to UMKC Law Foundation, 500 E 52nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64110.
Erica’s kindness, generosity, and love for her family and community will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
I will miss you but remember the lovely times with you! We go way back as I’ve watched you grow from Kindergarten to the lady you became! It has been an honor being a friend to the White family over so many years at Queen! I will miss you at Easter and on the patio at my son’s home! I will always cherish the friendship we had and the laughs we shared.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Erica. She was a kind, giving, and happy person who brought so much light into the lives of everyone around her. Her bright spirit will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her entire family, Steve, and everyone who is impacted by her too-soon departure.
With sympathy, Jenifer & John
I have many good memories of and with Erica. It is way too soon for her loss here on earth. I pray Mother Mary welcomes her through the gates. Prayers to you my friend.
Erica was a wonderful person. She was incredibly kind, talented and smart. I have many happy memories with Erica. She made a big impact on those around her and had a way of making people feel valued. Sending peace.
I enjoyed any time I spent with Erica & will miss doing so in the future.
My deepest condolences to Steve, Brandon, Lachlan & all the others she loved. May time & warm memories bring you comfort & ease your pain.
The family in Germany also sends heartfelt condolences to Ericas family and to Angela, Monica and Alex. We are sad and we are thinking of you and Erica. Unfortunately we saw each other far too seldom. Thoughts and prayers are going from Düsseldorf and Berlin to Kansas City. Herzlich Veronika and Grete on behalf of the german relatives (Dingerkus and Gastreich family).
Remembering Erica from school, church, the Junior Legion of Mary and more. Condolences to the family.
Truly a one of a kind person. Erica will be greatly missed.
I have no words yet soo many at the same time. As I’m just learning about Erica’s passing, I’m devastated. She was like a mother to soo many I feel like. She was soo loving , giving, and caring. Her constant little laugh she had, ( always made me feel like I was so funny,) but really I wasn’t! It’s just not fair! I always admired Erica for soo many different reasons. She became a mother at such a young age yet from what I know of her, totally rocked it and continued to be soo very motivated and successful, not for one second using her age as an excuse to not pursue a bright future! She was a provider and a lover and always kept a smile on her face! She was hands down the hostest with the mostest!! I could easily go on and on, and I probably missed 85% off things I should have mentioned, but we will start here! I pray Erica is flying high and watching over all in whom she loved! We love you Erica!!