A Virginia native raised in West Virginia’s coalfields, Garrison’s early exposure to the struggles of working-class families shaped her activism and work as an educator. As a teacher and welfare worker in Gary, she worked to resolve racial tensions, support Black miners, and improve families' quality of life. Active in both the Republican Party and NAACP, she helped establish local chapters and served as national vice president and field secretary. Garrison’s creation of the Christmas Seal Project became a key NAACP fundraiser. Even after retiring, she remained committed to education and civic engagement.