of West Helena, AR

February 27, 1956 - March 17, 2022

On March 17, 2022, Tina Avin Grubbs passed away at the age of 66.

On February 27, 1956 she was born in Savannah, Georgia. She was the second of five children. At an early age Tina moved to Gulfport, Mississippi. She would spend a good portion of her life "on the coast" and "in the Kiln" with her countless Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Her family eventually moved to Picayune, Mississippi. She attended Picayune Elementary, Middle, and High School. She was an active member of St. Charles Catholic Church. She was a member of the Picayune High School Band on the flag team. Tina worked at Paul's Bakery from the age of 14 until she graduated college. In 1974 she became a student at Mississippi State University. In 1976 she met her husband, Joe Grubbs, Sr. She graduated with a degree in Applied Science, Special Education, and Teaching from Mississippi State. Married on April 25, 1979, Joe and Tina made a home in West Helena, Arkansas although she always called Picayune "home". She would teach Special Education at JF Wahl and eventually found her love in Early Childhood Education. She became a teacher at Great Rivers Education Co-Op where she taught up until January 2022. To Tina, every student became hers. She would affectionately call all of them her "kids". She would eventually become the director of the early childhood program after receiving her masters in Science, Curriculum, Special Education, and Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. She worked tirelessly for St. Mary's Catholic Church. She was dedicated to her religion and all those she touched with her faith. Tina was an amazing mother, wife, sister, teacher, friend, mentor, and confidant.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Joe Clayton Grubbs, Sr.; daughter, Mary Grubbs; two sons, Clay Grubbs (Dr. Kelli Grubbs) and Michael Grubbs; eight grandchildren, Evelyn, Ethan, Weldon, Joe III, Asa, James, Richard, and Eleanor; two brothers, Kevin (Cynthia) and Nicky (Janet); one sister, Leslie (Ronnie); four brother and sister in laws, Eddie (Janice), Jimmie Ruth (Bob), Gloria (Winston) and Terry; 22 nieces and nephews, Michael, Rebecca, Daniel, Sarah, Adam, Jeremy, Ben, Lauren, Erica, Paige, Kaden, Caleb, Joey, Christy, Brad, Corey, Melissa, Kyle, Kaci, Amanda, Matt and Maygan; extended family, Chris Bennett, Shannon Bennett, Zoey Bennett and Gena Grubbs; a host of other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mom and dad, Edna and John Leo Guidry; father, Bill Avin; mother and father in law, Doyle and Frankie Grubbs; brother, Danny Avin, Mike Warren, Rufus Rodgers and Lynda Grubbs; multiple uncles, aunts, and cousins who impacted her life.

A Rosary for Mrs. Tina Avin Grubbs will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Helena, Arkansas with a Mass following shortly after at 10:30 a.m.

There will be a lunch held following the Mass next door in the hall and will be open for everyone.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in honor of her love and dedication.

She was our best friend, mother, our teacher, our everything.

Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com