Wilma Griggs

Mrs. Wilma Beatrice Griggs, 93, of Corning, AR., passed away Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Corning Therapy and Living Center in Corning, AR. Mrs. Griggs was born in Corning, AR., on September 7, 1925 to Calvin Luther and Rhoda “Birdie” (Smelser) Coonce and was the only surviving grandchild of Civil War veteran Sgt. Martin Luther Coonce (1826-1909), of the 31 ^st Illinois Infantry. Mrs. Griggs was a homemaker and retired deputy Clay County Treasurer.

In 1946, she married Buster Griggs of Corning. In 1950, Buster and Wilma joined the Corning First Christian Church and she was the oldest member of that congregation at the time of her death.

She is survived by three children Buster, Jr. (Boyd) and wife Karen of Pagosa Springs, CO., Brent and wife Linda of Darby, MT., and Kelly Eastham and husband Rick of Paris, IL.; Also surviving are two grandchildren Cory Eastham and wife Kellie, Kalen Jefferies and husband Patrick, and two great-grandchildren Carter and Hadlee Eastham all of Paris, IL.; two sisters-in-law Fern Coonce of Pocahontas, AR., and Sally Brown of Corning, AR.; as well as several nephews and nieces. She is also survived by good friend and caretaker Rebecca Murray of Corning, AR., who provided untold hours of dedicated assistance and personal care during Wilma’s final months.

She was preceded in death by her parents Calvin Luther and Rhoda “Birdie” (Smelser) Coonce; her husband of 71 years Buster Griggs, three sisters Mary Audrey Coonce, Carrie Coonce and Mae Coonce Patterson and three brothers Robert Roland Coonce, Richard “Dick” Coonce and Sidney Coonce.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 10:00 AM in the Ermert Funeral Home Chapel with Lewis Regis and Tim Burgess officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Corning Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, October 26, 2018 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Memorials may be made in her memory to Mo-Ark Christian Service Camp, Mid-South Christian College or First Christian Church.