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Barbara Erika Griffin graduated from AHS in 1981 with honors. She truly enjoyed her years at AHS. She was a cheerleader, Student Council President, Homecoming Queen, and AHS's Youth of the Year. She earned several awards and recognitions while she was in school. She went to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, where she graduated with a Bachelors in Political Science and Communications.
She excelled at OBU as much as she did at AHS. There she was Freshman Class President, Sorority Chaplain, and Student Union President. She even gave up her place on OBU's Homecoming Court because she wanted someone else to have the opportunity, since she was queen at AHS.
She was beginning her Masters degree at Henderson State University, and she was the Youth Minister at Richwoods Baptist Church, when she was killed in automobile accident in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on October 28, 1985.
When she was in a Creative Writing class at AHS, she had an assignment to write her eulogy. The first few lines read, "I lived a happy life, peaceful, content, free. I tasted success, but also defeat. People were special to me; they taught me many worthwhile things. I enjoyed helping others and giving them my smiles." She finished her eulogy with these words, "Trudge on my friends, the road is yet long, and at the end awaits a dream for all."
~ Written by her sister, Kim Griffin-Cruz
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Barb was our class president, for Alton High School Class of 1981. I was fortunate to go to school with her both at North Junior High and at Alton High, where she was always a good example for the other students, very hard-working, diligent, friendly, and kind. She had a good attitude, was always involved in scholastic and social activities, and was a real "go getter." I think she was most of the teachers' favorite. Barb had too many friends to count - but I was glad to be one. She has been missed and will continue to be, especially during the reunion weekend where I have not doubt she would have shone like a star.
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Kaye Newcome (Edsall)
Beautifully written memories about a beautiful person...thanks Kim!
Gabrielle Bourland (Taul)
Still miss Barb and think of her often. She was a wonderful friend and person. What a bright light in the world was she!
Cheryl Charleston
I was priviledged to have known Barb, I played on the volleyball team with her. I remember her beautiful spirit, such a kind person.
Anne Bucher (Palles)
Barb was a good friend of mine for many years. Without a doubt, she was an incredible human being; always going out of her way to serve others while keeping a smile. She was calm, poised, generous and grateful. With all of her success during her short life, I never saw Barb be anything but a humble young lady. After she passed I was stunned and disappointed. All I could think was that the Lord wanted her closer to Him! Her memory will be eternally with me.