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Agnes’s life centered around her faith, her family, and her friends. She impacted countless lives as she genuinely lived out her Christian faith at home, at church, at school, and in her community. She loved people and freely shared her faith.
Her friendliness revealed itself early in her life. She was elected Friendliest Girl at Pearl River Community College and was described as “a girl who always has a kind word for anybody, dearly loves to talk, and hates to be alone.” This description could have been written about Agnes at any time during her 95 years. Her children remember her as fun-loving and attentive, often enjoying spontaneous outings with them.
Born in Prentiss, Mississippi, in 1924, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Louvie Caughman Winstead. Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, H. M. Griffith, Sr.; brother, Harold Winstead; and sister, Helen Parish. She grew up in Carson, Mississippi. For over 50 years, she lived in Carriere, Mississippi, moving to Starkville in 2006.
Agnes was devoted to her family. She is survived by two daughters, Jane (Gary) Windham of Starkville; Gail Griffith of Columbus; and one son, Hugh (Linda) Griffith of Starkville. She was a delighted Nana to five grandchildren: John (Molly) Windham of Corinth; Jay (Kelsey) Windham of Shelbyville, Tennessee; Hugh (Lauren) Windham of Midland, Texas; Rebecca (Guy) Wimberly of Wilmore, Kentucky; Ben Griffith of Starkville; and four great-grandchildren: Louvie Nell Windham, John Amos Windham, Riley Jane Windham, and Nathan Timothy Windham. She joyfully looked forward to two additional great-grandchildren expected this summer. In addition, she is survived by one brother, Allen (Wilma) Winstead of Lucedale, Mississippi; and three sisters-in-law: Gloria Griffith of Cleveland, Mississippi; Carolyn Taylor and Frances Robinson, both of Columbia, Mississippi; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Agnes’s career as an educator spanned five decades in the Carson, Long Beach, Carriere, and Picayune schools and at Co-Lin Community College.
Her students remember her as an excellent and caring teacher. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma education sorority. Following her retirement from the classroom, Agnes continued to serve her community; she volunteered at Crosby Memorial Hospital, delivered Meals on Wheels, and joined Pearl River County Retired Teachers.
Her legacy of faith began at home and at Carson Methodist Episcopal Church South. Agnes was a faithful Methodist and lovingly served others through her church in numerous leadership and teaching roles. During the summers of 1946 and 1952-1954, she traveled across the Southeast as part of the Caravaners program to encourage stronger youth programs in the Methodist Church. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, Picayune, and in later life at First United Methodist Church, Starkville. She was a Lifetime Member of United Methodist Women and a charter member of the Bifocals Choir at First United Methodist Church of Picayune. Agnes not only practiced her faith within the church, she also reached out to invite others to join her at church. Many of her friends credit her with inviting and welcoming them into the church family. Her children and grandchildren are eternally grateful for the legacy of faith she left behind.
Visitation is from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sunday, April 28, 2019, at First United Methodist Church of Starkville.
A celebration of Agnes’s life will continue with a visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2019, with the service to be held at 10:00 am, at First United Methodist Church of Starkville, with the Rev. Jim Genesse officiating.
Graveside service will be held at 4:00 pm in Prentiss Cemetery in Prentiss, Mississippi.
Pallbearers are John Windham, Jay Windham, Hugh Windham, Ben Griffith, Guy Wimberly, Howard Parish, Davis Winstead, Wayne Owen, and Billy Walley.
Memorial donations to MUW and MSU Wesley Foundations may be sent to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2585, Starkville, MS 39760.
