of Conway, AR
May 27, 1927 - June 20, 2024
Carolyn Griffin Lefler of Conway, AR died Thursday, June 20, 2024 at home, just weeks after her 97th birthday. She was born in Russellville, AR, May 27, 1927 to Esther and Clarence Griffin. After graduating from Russellville High School, she attended Arkansas Tech University where she met her future husband, Roy Lefler Jr. When Roy asked her for a first date her question to him was ''Can you dance?''. They both graduated from Arkansas Tech and after the wedding they moved to Fayetteville to continue education at The University of Arkansas School of Business. Upon graduation in 1949 they returned to Roy's hometown of Clinton to start their family and open a small department store in downtown Clinton. She was always available to fill-in at the store and loved visiting and helping the customers. Lefler's Fashion is still open in downtown Conway.
Roy and Carolyn were members of First United Methodist Church in Clinton and she enjoyed helping in the church's Thrift Store downtown that was so beneficial to the church and the community. Roy was a devoted Razorback fan and that devotion allowed her to travel to years of away games along with all the games in Fayetteville. What started as an ''excuse'' to get Roy to travel ended developing her as an equally devoted fan. They met great friends through the ''Back of the Bus'' Razorback group in Little Rock AR for the away games.
They spent many weekends at their property on Greers Ferry Lake where they kept a boat in their dock and had many evening cruises with their family and friends.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Pugh.
She is survived by her brother, Bob Griffin (Linda); her sister, Donna Hottinger (Ellis) both from Russellville; Carolyn's three children, Cheryl Bennett (Brad), Jim Lefler (Jacqui) and Marty Lefler (Leanne); 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
A family memorial celebration is being planned for a later date. Memorial contributions can be sent to The First United Methodist Church of Clinton, 613 Joe Bowling Rd., Clinton, AR 72031.
A very special thank you to Aubrey with the Arkansas Hospice Group.
Roy and Carolyn were a fixture in the Clinton area for years. They gave so much to the community. Lefler's was 'the' popular fashion store to shop and see friends. Carolyn always welcomed you with a warm greeting and winning smile when there. Beautiful, intelligent and caring. She will be missed by all. We send condolences, love and prayers to Cheryl, Jim, Marty and all the family.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was such a sweet person and be missed. Prayers for you and your family.
Carolyn, was a wonderful lady loved by all, sending love and prayers for her family.
Sorry to hear of this. So many happy memories rolling in my mind. Sweet, soft laugh of hers often calmed "Roy".
She was the only one to never call him Jr. Perfect fit. She was a good friend to Momma Jean too...best of times.
My condolences to the Lefler Family, Carolyn was a very sweet Lady.
Sad to hear this news. She dug up a bunch of iris bulbs from her yard to give to mom when she was about 90. Mom was going through chemo so I planted them. They were beautiful this year! I'll always think of our moms when they bloom. Love you all!
Cheryl, Jim, Marty & Family. I continue praying for you all in your loss of Carolyn. Such a sweet lady. I pray God gives you all comfort & peace. Love You All.
Aunt Carolyn taught me so much and was a great role model to me. My favorite lesson was how to wrap a present efficiently with tape and wrapping paper when I worked at Lefler’s in high school ;). Loved her dearly! Big hugs to the family and my condolences. She was always so proud of her family! Love to all! Wendy Parish Anderson
Marty and family,
I am so sorry about your mother. Praying for all of you
Mrs. Lefler was always so kind and helpful when Momma and us girls went in Lefler's to shop. My heart goes out to her children and grandchildren.
Carolyn was such a good neighbor and a special person to me and my family. We all loved her. I’m praying for all of her family.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Extending my sympathies to the family, you are all in my prayers.
Cheryl I’m so very sorry to hear about your mom.God be with you and your family.
Cheryl and Family, thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort during this difficult time. Sending you all love and prayers
So sorry for your loss. Carolyn was always so sweet and kind. You have wonderful memories.
Your loss here on earth is surely heaven’s gain. Praying for the family.
So sorry I loved her like she was my family too she was a special lady my deepest sympathy
You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Aunt Carolyn will be missed by many.