Mary Ellen Smith

Mary Ellen Smith, age 70, of Baxley passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Memorial Health in Savannah.

Mary Ellen was born March 14, 1955 in Appling County to the late Otis Griffin and the late Myrtle Branch Griffin. She was a member of Spring Branch Baptist Church and was employed at the Appling County Head Start. Mary Ellen loved flowers, hummingbirds, and enjoyed working with her kids at work, fishing and being with her family. She was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn Branch and brothers, Randall Branch, Pete Griffin, and Malcolm Griffin.

Survivors include her fiancé, Kenny Davenport of Baxley; sons, Kenny (Beth) Smith of Cedar Bluff, AL and Alan ( Alicia) Smith of Baxley; sisters, Sarah (Ronnie) Boatright, Janie Cummings, Debbie Branch (David), Donna (Greg) Parlor, Carolyn (Gary) McDaniel all of Baxley; brothers, Harry (Joan) Griffin, Richard Griffin, Tim (Sandy) Griffin, Cecil (Karen) Griffin, Carlos (Julie) Griffin all of Baxley and Wendell (Peggy) Griffin of Screven; four grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Daniels, Rev. Rick Brown and Rev. Justin McLellan officiating. Interment will follow in Carter’s Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Jeremy Lightsey, Josh Griffin, Hunter Griffin, Michael Griffin, Noah Smith, Joseph Sharpe, Ricky Morris, Jr., and Greg Griffin.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Mitch & Brandi Herrington, staff of the Appling Head Start, Staff of Sarah’s At The Course, Richie & Heather Altman, Bill Reynolds, James Kent, Earl & Leigh Miller and all friends in attendance.

Musical selections will be rendered by Candice White and Ethan Hutchinson.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Swain Funeral Home.