Boneta Laureen Garrison

Boneta L. (Mello) Garrison, 74, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Florence (Almeida) and Egidio Mello, Jr., she lived in New Bedford all of her life.

Boneta "Sister" enjoyed playing uno cards, completing word searches and having desserts. She was known for her smile, kind and loving personality, and her generosity. Sister's doors were always open to those in need. She went to Kinyon-Campbell Business School, New Bedford High School, and Barbizon Modeling School where she was offered a modeling contract with Jet, Ebony, and Essence magazines.

Survivors include her daughter, Melissa Jackson and her husband Anthony of Westbury, NY; her siblings, Egidio Mello, III and his partner Rose, Christopher Mello and his wife Sheila, Patricia Mello, Debra Mello, and Warren Mello and his partner Cecilia; her Godchild Tysha Gordan; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brothers, Stephen Mello and Vencelo "Vennie" Mello.

Her visiting hours will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 9-11 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. A service in the Funeral Home will be lead by her brother Christopher Mello and niece Teisha Baptista at the conclusion of the visiting hours.