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

Born March 14, 1955, in Appling County, she was the daughter of the late Otis Griffin and Myrtle Branch Griffin. Smith was a member of Spring Branch Baptist Church and worked with the Appling County Head Start program. She was known for her love of flowers and hummingbirds, as well as her dedication to the children she worked with. She also enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn Branch, and brothers, Randall Branch, Pete Griffin, and Malcolm Griffin.

She is survived by her fiancé, Kenny Davenport of Baxley; two sons, Kenny (Beth) Smith of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, and Alan (Alicia) Smith of Baxley; and numerous siblings, including sisters Sarah (Ronnie) Boatright, Janie Cummings, Debbie Branch (David), Donna (Greg) Parlor, and Carolyn (Gary) McDaniel, all of Baxley. Her brothers include Harry 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 were held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy Daniels, Rev. Rick Brown, and Rev. Justin McLellan officiating. Interment followed at Carter’s Cemetery.

Active pallbearers included Jeremy Lightsey, Josh Griffin, Hunter Griffin, Michael Griffin, Noah Smith, Joseph Sharpe, Ricky Morris Jr., and Greg Griffin. Honorary pallbearers included friends, family, and staff associated with Appling Head Start and the community.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Swain Funeral Home.