Dr. Keitha S. Griffith passed away June 28 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was born July 30, 1956, at Warner Brown Hospital, the daughter of Claude “Buddy” Griffith and Margaret Warren Griffith, who preceded her in death along with her grandparents Claude and Leta Griffith of Monticello and Ernest and Henrietta Warren of Manchester England.
Keitha was a lifelong learner, attending Norphlet Schools, continuing her education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, receiving her Associates Degree in Nursing in 1976; Bachelors of Nursing at UAM, 1988; Masters of Nursing Administration at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 1993; and Doctorate of Nursing Practice at UAMS, 2016.
She impacted hundreds throughout her exceptional nursing career, where she was devoted to patient care, administration, and ultimately education. “Miss Keitha” was a fixture at MCSA, serving 25 years in administration, including 20 years as Chief Nursing Officer, where she was recognized nationally as a leader in the field and locally for her commitment to her “second family.” After retirement from MCSA and earning her DNP, Dr. Griffith shared her knowledge as an associate professor of nursing at the University of Central Arkansas, retiring in 2022.
From her particularly close-knit siblings and family, to friends, students, community members, and even strangers, Keitha was always there for support, advice, and love. Family gatherings were a constant source of joy - whether holidays, celebrations, special visits from England and Australia, or just a day at the pool. She loved to travel and shared memorable trips all over the world with family and friends throughout her life, particularly to her favorite – Disney! Keitha treasured her wonderful memories later in life with her husband Grant and family.
She is survived by her husband, Grant Kneebone of Maumelle; brother, Steve (Donna Jo) Griffith of Bryant; sisters, Heather (Ricky) McGarity of El Dorado and Holly (Rick) Bauman of Smackover. Keke adored her nephews and nieces Cody (Leslie) Bauman of Monroe, LA; Bryan Griffith (Chris Morgan) of Washington, DC; Maggie (David) Guarno of Germantown, TN and Emily (Trent) Neal of El Dorado, and her great nieces and nephews Henry, Nelle, Joanie, Everett, Ella, Carter and Braxtyn, as well as Grant’s family, children Michelle Parish of Benton, Andrew (Elaine) Kneebone of Arkadelphia and Rachel (Jacob) Lagoy of Cove, grandchildren Scott (Kelsy) Burleson, Savanah Parish, McKenzie Parish, Alice Kneebone, great grands Treyton and Kaycen; and sister Helen Grant of Whangarei, New Zealand, as well as extended family throughout the U.S., England, and Australia.
Visitation will be Monday, July 1st from 5:00-8:00pm at Young’s in El Dorado. Memorial Service will be Tuesday, July 2nd at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in El Dorado, officiated by Father Chuck Chapman. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dr. Keitha S. Griffith Nursing Scholarship, UCCF, PO Box 148, El Dorado, AR 71730 or St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church Food Pantry, PO Box 13677, Maumelle, AR 72113.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
