of Leslie, AR
March 2, 1939 - September 17, 2023
Carolyn Mabrey Griffith, age 84, of Leslie, Arkansas died on Sunday, September 17th, 2023 in Little Rock due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. She was born in Marshall, Arkansas on March 2nd, 1939 to Frederick Guy Mabrey and Hazel Leonard Mabrey.
Carolyn was a teacher and a giver, always willing to share with anyone in need. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Leslie. Carolyn taught English and Grammar and was the librarian for Leslie School District for 38 years until she retired in 2004. She loved and enjoyed her children, her grandchildren, her Church family, her Clothes Closet pals, the school kids that came through her classes and library, good books, the Jeopardy game show and the weekly edition of the Marshall Mountain Wave. She also loved her cats and dogs and when mid-April came she would always be on the lookout for her first hummingbird of the season.
Survivors include her daughter, Leslee Birchfield and husband, Brad of Mountainburg; her son, Andrew Griffith of Leslie; grandchildren, Reagan Birchfield and Mabrey Birchfield both of Mountainburg; one sister, Marilyn Sanders of Marshall and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Hazel Mabrey; her husband, Jimmy Griffith who passed away in 2010 and sister, Wanda Lee Daniel.
A Memorial/Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, September 21st, 2023 at Leslie First Baptist Church with Bro. Chris Reade officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 till 11:00 AM preceding the service. Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the funeral service. A private burial will be held at a later date at Rambo Cemetery. At the family's request in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Rambo Cemetery Fund, c/o Simmons Bank, PO Box 250, Marshall, AR 72650 or the Leslie Cemetery Fund, c/o Simmons Bank, PO Box 250, Marshall, AR 72650.
The family thanks the first responders, EMT's and staff at UAMS for their efforts to save her life. A special thank you to William and Becky Ashley and Bro. Chris Reade who were there for us at the most difficult time. Thanks to all who have called and texted with kind words about our mother. She will be greatly missed. In Christ's Love--Leslee Birchfield and Andrew Griffith.
Leslee and Andrew, I am so sorry to hear about my friend, Carolyn. I just found out about her passing. She and I were co-sponsors for many years, kin as well, and I loved her as a friend and mentor. She supported me when I first went to Leslie when few others did. Michael LeMarr called her "the little lady behind the big desk." She was a little lady with a big heart. We had lots of good times with the quiz bowl team. Going into the library each day was a treat, just to discuss the events of the world. I think of her and both of you often. She loved you so much and loved to talk about you. She was special. I am so sad. Please accept my condolences. Randy
Sorry for the family’s loss prayers
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Griffiths family. She will always hold a place in my heart
Andrew and Leslee,
Your mom was one of a kind and I thought the world of her. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.
Janet
Leslee & Andrew, my heartfelt condolences, to you both, for the loss of your mom. Mrs Griffith was one of my very favorite teachers/librarian. She enriched the lives of so many and always strived and succeeded to be a role model and mentor, to which we could all look up to. May God bless you with strength, peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Andrew,
David and I are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family at this very difficult time. God bless.
Andrew, Leslee and Family- I am so sorry about your Momma. She was such a wonderful person, with a heart to help others and always had a smile when I saw her. She will be missed! I pray that God wraps His arms around you all, gives you His strength and comfort during this most difficult time of grief. Love and hugs from me.
Leslie and Andrew. Jim and I are so sorry for you loss. We remember all the good times we had in school with her and traveling with her on school trips. We loved her and will miss her too. Our prayers for you. Jim and Jackye
So sorry. Sorry I can’t make the service.
Leslee and Andrew, I'm very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Griffith was always very special to me during my school years at Leslie. She was also a good friend to my mom, Zebbie. Prayers for your family.
So sorry for your loss. Carolyn always had a smile and a kind word to share. She will be missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her. Peace be with the family during this time of sorrow.
Leslee and Andrew and families, I am praying God's comfort for each of you. I love and cherish the time I spent in Leslie, AR meeting Ms. Carolyn. She sure blessed me with my dear and beloved friend, Leslee. Carolyn's children and grandchildren have honored her and the Lord with their lives. Comfort and peace for you all. Love, Kim
Andrew and Leslee, my heart goes out to you in the loss of your mother. I am holding you up in prayer. Mrs. Griffith kindled within me a desire to read, and she cultivated that desire by discussing books, pointing out good books, and giving me books to start my own home library. She left a durable and indelible influence on my life. Our discussions of the history of Leslie were memorable and informative. Leslie could ill afford to lose her. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.†Psalm 116:15. Mrs. Griffith was a true treasure.
Leslee and Andrew, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Griffith was a dandy! She had tons of patience with all us kids in school BUT dynamite comes in small packages! (LOL) It made me smile when my daughter Jade told me Mrs. G came to the library often. When she seen Jade, she told my daughter she knew exactly who she belongs to because we were twins! Jade sure loved their visits and will miss her dearly as all that knew her will. Love and prayers for peace and comfort.
Andrew & Leslee,
So sorry for your loss, Carolyn was a fine Christian lady, will be missed greatly. God will fill your hearts with fond memories of your Mom.
Love and prayers
Sorry to hear about her loss. She was a Nice Person and a Good Librarian. I have talked with her on Facebook Messenger at times. Prayers For The Family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mrs Griffith will be missed terribly. She was known to have a mean streak when I was in high school but if u made her smile ud be alright. Prayers to her family in the many days she'd
Doc and I are so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing and talking to Carolyn in our clinic. She came in frequently to get different items for her pets. It was always good to visit with her.
So sorry for your loss of Carolyn. Prayers and thoughts to all her Family.
We were so sorry to hear of the accident and the loss of Carolyn. Our loss is heaven's gain. She was truly a special lady. She was our neighbor at Nubbin Hill many years ago. She will be missed by many people. Our prayers for the comfort of the family and friends who loved her so much.
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Griffith. She was always one of my favorites. Prayers for all of you!
Prayers of comfort for family
I did not have the pleasure of knowing your mom but I have known you, Leslee, for 30 years. The person you are speaks for the wonderful person your mother was. ðŸ™ðŸ» Praying for your family during this time.
So very sorry to hear this news. So many fond memories. Thoughts and prayers for family and loved ones.
Always enjoyed seeing her come in the store. She was such a kind person. I loved visiting with her and will miss seeing her. Prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Carolyn. She was a really sweet lady. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. May God Bless.
Mrs Griffith was so good to me throughout school. I’m going to miss her so much, she was the best librarian and a great person and friend. Prayers for all the family and friends.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Carolyn was loved by everyone and will be missed by the entire Searcy County communities. A great lady and a wonderful family. But our Hod is sufficient and will supply all our needs. Love you all.
So sorry for your loss she will be greatly missed!
So sorry for your loss. We are praying for the Lord’s comfort for her family. She was a wonderful lady and we enjoyed spending time with her at school and in church.
Leslee and Andrew, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your Mom was a special lady. May God comfort and guide you in the coming days.
So very sorry for your loss. Your family at Concord Baptist Church is lifting your family up in prayer. Please let us know if you need anything.
So sorry to heard this news. She remains one of my favorite teachers. I loved her sense of humor and practical outlook on life. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Leslee and Andrew: I am so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. G was a very special lady. Prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days.
We were so sorry to hear about Carolyn. She was a really sweet person and loved her smile. She will be missed. Prayers for all.
Thinking of and praying for Leslee and Andrew. So sorry.
My deepest condolences in your loss!
Carolyn was always so sweet and kind.
So sad to hear . Prayers for Leslee and Andrew
No words of wisdom, because there isn’t anything I can say that will take the hurt away. But I do have a heart full of memories! She was a wonderful soul! Love and prayers sent to your families!
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom! Prayers for you and family during this time! Love Carmena & Ronnie Watson
My deepest condolences to her family. Prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Prayers of comfort for the entire family.
We are very sorry for this loss of a dear friend. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you Leslee and Andrew and family.
What an appropriate picture with the cat and the Hummingbird. That is so Carolyn. There was a family reunion in heaven with my Mom, your Mom , and Grandma and Grandpa. So thankful for the Eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. Yes we mourn but we do not mourn as those who have no hope. See you Thursday.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family . I always enjoyed visiting with her at Harps. She was always so friendly and always had a big smile!
Leslee,
So very sorry for your loss. Continued prayers for you and your family.
Love,
Gail