Agnes Winstead Griffith, loving mother and friend to all whose lives
she touched, died on April 26, 2019, at the age of 95. We celebrate
her faithful life and our sure hope of life forever in Christ.
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, 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. For over 50 years, she lived in
Carriere, 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;
and three sisters-in-law: Gloria Griffith of Cleveland; Carolyn Taylor
and Frances Robinson, both of Columbia; 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 was from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm April 28, 2019, at First United
Methodist Church of Starkville.
A celebration of Agnes’s life continued with a visitation at 9:00 a.m.
on April 29, 2019, with the service  held at 10:00 am, at First United
Methodist Church of Starkville. Rev. Jim Genesse officiated.
A graveside service was held at 4:00 p.m. in Prentiss Cemetery in Prentiss.
Pallbearers were 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.
Please visit www.welchfuneralhomes.com to sign the on line guest register.