of Conway, AR
August 21, 1952 - September 6, 2025
Jan Earney Griffin, loving wife, mother, Gigi, sister, teacher and friend, was cured from Alzheimer's Disease on September 6, 2025 at the age of 73. Born August 21, 1952 in Lake Village, Arkansas, Jan grew up in Dermott, where she was a proud Dermott Ram and delighted in sharing stories of her small-town southern upbringing.
In 1970, Jan moved to Conway, Arkansas, where she attended the State College of Arkansas, earning a bachelor's degree in education. She later returned to the University of Central Arkansas and pursued her master's degree in reading. On June 1, 1973, she married the love of her life, Kent Griffin and together they built a life rooted in faith, family and love.
Jan began her teaching career at Vilonia Schools before taking time away to stay home with ''her girls''. .She returned to teaching in 1990 with Conway Public Schools, where she impacted hundreds of students known as her ''sugars'' and ''angels''. She retired in 2004 to live her greatest dream-being Gigi to her grandsons.
She cherished her role as mom to daughters. Gray Wagnon (Stoney) and Valerie Griffin and her proudest title was Gigi to her three grandsons. Tripp Wagnon, Griff Wagnon and Kyle Henderson. Jan's life was also richly blessed by her siblings, Steve (Laura), David (Sherry), Marilyn Roth (Richard), Floyd (Nancy) and Frank (Kathy) and by many nieces and nephews who knew her as Auntie Jannie.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gloria Earney and her brother, David. She filled her life with joy and meaning, celebrating Earney Christmas yearly, traveling with a treasured group of friends for more than 40 years to places such as Boston, Israel, New York, Germany, Switzerland and the Grand Canyon and always making time for dessert and coffee, which she declared the most important foods.
A true southern lady, Jan lived with kindness, grace and a spark of independence. She avoided left turns, favored coffee and conversation over working up a sweat, wasn't one to take orders and had fun with most everything she did. Her legacy will live on in the lives of her family, her friends, her students and all who were blessed to know her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer's Arkansas (alzark.org) or The Hight House, 1313 Hillcrest, Conway, AR 72034.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
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54 Condolence(s)
Jim and Linda Palmer
Friday, September 12, 2025
We are so sad to hear this. Jan was so gracious and loving. She'll be missed.
Tom & Wanda Stanton
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Kent and family, y'all are in our thoughts and prayers. Jan was a true southern lady; we know y'all will miss her so much!
Maynette Stroud
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Jan was my Kindergarten teacher. I loved her so. Over the years, I had a graduate class with her at UCA and would bump into her at Hobby Lobby and other places around Conway where I loved getting to catch up with her. She has gained her Angel wings as she was a true Angel on earth. My deepest condolescences go out to her family. 🩷
Dianne and Ricky Sammons
Thursday, September 11, 2025
We are so sorry to Jan's family in her loss. I went to school with Jan in Dermott, ar. and always thought she was not only beautiful outside but beautiful on the Inside. Our love and prayers are with her family.
Chris and Rusty Hogan
Thursday, September 11, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. I have known Jan since college. She was such a sweet person.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron Compton
Thursday, September 11, 2025
My condolences to Kent and all the family. My prayers for all of you. I will miss my beautiful friend and classmate.
Fred and Wanda Landers
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Kent and family, praying for your peace and comfort during this time of grief.
Jan was a wonderful lady.
Ed and Becky Ellis
Thursday, September 11, 2025
We loved Jan Griffin! She was a sweet, kind, loving neighbor. Our prayers are for Kent, Gray, and Val as they begin life without their wife and mom. Jan has finished her battle and now can rest in the arms of Jesus! ❤️❤️
Joan Kaufman
Thursday, September 11, 2025
I knew Jan at Dermott Schools.. She was friendly and kind to me. I watched the beautiful tribute video. What a great smile and warm person..
Joan Kaufman
John and Colleen morton
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Jan and I started our teaching career together. We became really good friends. Jan always had a smile and joy of the lord in her heart. She will truly be missed, but looking forward to seeing Jan in heaven!
Dawn Bloodworth
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Kent & Family, My sincerest condolences to the family. I will pray for peace and comfort for all of you. ❤️
Jim and Susan Hope
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Janu Griffin was a wonderful lady. We met when Weston Hope was in her kindergarten class @ Jim Stone Elementary. They had a special bond. Her daughter Gray also carries Jan's wonderful spirit . Our world is a better place because of Jan Griffin's' contribution to our children and our community. My prayers go out to her family and all who knew her as she will be greatly missed.
Amy Duke
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Praying daily for the whole family. Such a beautifully written obituary. Just like it was written, she is cured now!
Leanne Ridgely-Bland
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
I was saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Jan was a wonderful lady.
Jack & Karen Jumper
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
What a wonderful obituary of Jan's life. Prays for you, Kent,Gray and Valerie. She is healed!
Jo Nell Plafcan
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Jan was a wonderful lady, teacher, and friend to her students and to their parents.
She will be remembered by all who knew her kindness and support.
Carl, Rhonda and Eli Pearce
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
We absolutely loved Mrs.Griffin! She was such a beautiful and amazing lady! We were all so blessed by her kindness, especially when she taught Eli at Jim Stone Elementary. She will be greatly missed in this world but know she will be enjoying heaven in the presence of our Lord and Savior-Jesus. We are praying that the Lord will comfort her family during this time as only He can.
Love and prayers,
Carl, Rhonda and Eli Pearce
Donna Clawson
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Ed and I are so sorry for your loss, but rejoice she is healed! All Our reunion with her in heaven will be sweet! Love you all.
Marilyn Whitley
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
To All of Jan's Family you are in my thoughts and prayers... cherish your sweet memories.
DENISE WILLIAMS
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JAN WAS THE SWEETEST WOMAN AND SHE WAS A BLESSING TO BOTH MY BOYS AS THEIR KINDERGARTEN TEACHER. WE HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF HER.
Pamela G McDowell
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
My condolences to the Griffin and Earney families. Mr. Earney first introduced me to his family in the early 70's when he was our phone repair man at Polyvend. Telling us about his children with such pride. Then living across the street from Floyd and Nancy things continued. Meeting Jan in Junior Auxiliary, Steve and Kathy buying a house in Krooked Creek continued the Earney connection.
And in 1990 Kent introduced himself as a builder in Royal Oaks. Seeing them at Central Baptist Church helped keeping up with their family. Jan was beautiful, kind and always had a smile for everyone.
She will be greatly missed! May God bless all of you to continue her legacy.
Terri Matthews Luna
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Kent, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls. I have fond memories of Jan.
Karen Matthews
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Dear Kent and family, I am heartbroken to hear of Man's passing. She was one of the best
Persons that Ron and I knew. She was treating loved by her family and all who knew her. I cherish all the memories we had together. With loving sympathy.🙏❤🙏❤
Julie Hill
Monday, September 8, 2025
Jan's obituary is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Sending prayers to the whole family.
Sandra Pryor
Monday, September 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I did not get to know Jan but she was a pretty lady who just happened to come out of southeast Arkansas near where I grew up. I saw Jan at Central but never had the opportunity to meet her. My condolences to your family.
Sandra Pryor
Brandon, Mary Beth, Mary Ella, Emma Anne, and Matthew Taylor Groce
Monday, September 8, 2025
Praying for healing and peace from your neighbors ❤️
Micah Brown Pryor
Monday, September 8, 2025
Valerie and Gray-so sorry for your loss! Your mama was precious!! I remember her fondly as an active servant in all the things at 2nd Baptist when we were young. Prayers and love to you all!
Teresa Treat
Monday, September 8, 2025
I worked with Jan at Jim Stone Elementary and both my children had her in Kindergarten. Jan was a joy to work with. She was always smiling and had such a positive attitude. She was a wonderful teacher and friend! I'm thankful she is healed, but I know she will be deeply missed by all that loved her!
Sarah Kate Lindsey
Monday, September 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss! We are praying for you!
Vickie Butler
Monday, September 8, 2025
Jan will be missed! She was such a sweet friend. I love Gray and Valerie and enjoyed being their Sunday School teacher when they were in their teens. I know I will see her again and that gives comfort. I'll be praying for Jan's family as the Lord brings them to mind.
Diane Henson
Monday, September 8, 2025
My heart breaks that God called Jan home. But it will be only a moment in time before we see her again. I couldn't help but smile every time I was around Jan. She was infectious with her love for Jesus and for others and it showed in everything she did.
The legacy she leaves behind are her beautiful girls and their families. You all are in our prayers until we see her again.
Linda Jane Stewart
Monday, September 8, 2025
I have always loved Jan and her family . She was such a precious person that always brought a smile to my face. She will be missed by so many
Leta Ruple
Monday, September 8, 2025
Jan was such a kind lady full of grace. Prayers for Kent, Gray, Val and all family members. Jan will be missed!
Sharla McKim
Monday, September 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady!
Kaye Hoggard
Monday, September 8, 2025
Kent, Grey, and Valerie, my prayers are with you. Jan was a beautiful lady who was always a joy to be with. I'm sorry for your loss.
Mary Helen Mills
Monday, September 8, 2025
So sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers for all the family. She was a gift as our introduction to school. She was wonderful.
Stefanie Schrekenhofer-Dace
Monday, September 8, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you.
Becky Ellis
Monday, September 8, 2025
I loved your mom. We had a great time raising all our girls on Summerfield. Even called oursevelves, The Summerfield Gang. We will be praying for your family.
Kim Hoffman
Monday, September 8, 2025
Valerie,
Please accept my deepest condolences in the passing of your beautiful Momma.
I will be praying for you and your family during this sad time.
Joe and Diane Ward
Monday, September 8, 2025
Love and prayers to all Jan's family!!
She was such a sweet lady!!
God bless you!!
Janet Gray
Monday, September 8, 2025
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.God Bless
Sara Vint
Monday, September 8, 2025
Your mom continued to give back to children even after she retired by reading to our classes! She always came with a good book and a treat too! She was such a sweet lady! Thinking about you all during this time!
Anita Fulfer
Monday, September 8, 2025
Kent, Gray and all the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God's grace give you strength and comfort as you say goodbye to your beautiful loved one.
Brooks P Browning
Monday, September 8, 2025
Jan was truly a kind and loving person. It was a pleasure to know her. My thoughts are with the whole family at this most difficult time.
Kimberly and Kenneth Ingalls
Monday, September 8, 2025
Gray, I'm sorry to read of the loss of your mother and I so appreciate your description of her getting her new heavenly home. My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
Robin Walker
Monday, September 8, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. We taught together at Jim Stone Elementary. She was loved by everyone that knew her. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Jamie Holmes Attwood
Monday, September 8, 2025
Thinking of you all and sending love. I have such fond childhood memories of your mom"she was a truly wonderful lady. I am very sorry for your loss.
Glenn Stacks
Monday, September 8, 2025
My condolences to Kent, Gray, Valerie and the Griffin family. May God bless and comfort you and your family during these most difficult times. You are all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Glenn Stacks
Monday, September 8, 2025
My condolences to Kent, Gray, Valerie and the Griffin family. May God bless and comfort you and your family during these most difficult times. You are all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Natalie Cunningham
Monday, September 8, 2025
Val, you and Gray and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers. I know her legacy lives on in your lives.
Jan Talbot
Monday, September 8, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family in this sad time. She was one of the best'". She will definitely be missed by the many who loved her.
Carol Hess
Monday, September 8, 2025
Your mom was so gracious and kind. She loved her girls. So blessed to know her
Linda Hargis
Monday, September 8, 2025
Prayers for your family. Jan was loved and respected by so many people and leaves a legacy to cherish.
james E mullenax
Monday, September 8, 2025
Sorry for your loss.
Prayers for the family.
James Mullenax