Reta Bayless Griffin

Reta Bayless Griffin, 85, passed away on July 14, 2024, at Fellowship Home Brookside. Born on May 8, 1939, to the late David E. Bayless and Jimmie Lee Oliver Bayless in Mississippi, she graduated from Ruleville High School. As the daughter of sharecroppers, she spent most of her youth working in cotton fields on the Macabee Plantation. Following high school, she pursued nursing in Mississippi, eventually becoming a dedicated nurse at Dr. Tibbs' practice in Cleveland, MS, for three decades. She then moved to Roswell, NM from 1995 to 2023. She returned to Valdosta to be near her family, where she was known for her kindness and love toward her many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Griffin is survived by her niece and husband, Cindy and Dale Weaver, of Hahira, nephew and his wife, David and Debbie Bayless, of Hahira, nephew and wife, Jeff and Teresa Bayless of Valdosta, niece and her husband Christy and Steve Kovacic of Granada Hills, CA, and her niece and husband Diana and Rodd Foster of Canyon Country, CA; and several great nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers & sister-in-law David and Jackie Bayless, and Luster Bayless, husband Kenneth Dell Griffin, and longtime companion Maurice Williams.

The family extends their thanks and gratitude to Betsy and Julie with Hospice of South Georgia, and to Mrs. O.T. Simmons and her staff in the Elms Unit at Fellowship Home for their loving care of Mrs. Griffin.

Graveside services will be held at 10am on August 16, 2024 at Lehrton Cemetery, Ruleville, MS, with Rev. Bobby Turner officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 2263 Pineview Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602, or Fellowship Home Brookside, 470 Fellowship Home Lane, Valdosta, GA 31602.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home