Retha was a firecracker—a true spitfire who told it like it was. Her energy was magnetic, her honesty refreshing, and her presence unforgettable. Even as a high school cheerleader, she radiated warmth and spirit. She spent 20 years as the office manager at Barling Boat Sales, where her leadership and loyalty made her not just a colleague, but a best friend to many.
She was strong, independent, and fiercely devoted to the people she loved. Retha had a way of making everyone feel cared for, often taking charge not out of pride, but out of compassion. She believed in lifting others up without judgment and was deeply loved by all who knew her.
Family was everything to Retha. She was sharp as a tack, with a mind for finance, construction, interior design, real estate—and a knack for finding treasures in antique stores across America. She loved to travel, especially to visit friends and family, and she brought laughter and joy wherever she went. Her presence filled every room, and her absence will be profoundly felt.
Retha was a faithful friend and a devoted daughter, sister and aunt. She lovingly cared for her mother, father, and brother during their final days, embodying grace and strength.
She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved parents, John Hugh and Laveda Griffith; aunt, Mary Kay Griffith; her brother, Darren Griffith; her uncle, Norman Griffith; her cousin, Melinda Robertson; uncles, Wayne and August Synoground; aunts, Janice and Dianne; cousins, Rick and Brent Nichols; and her cherished in-laws, Jim and Carla Kernan.
Retha is survived by her devoted husband of 23 years, Mark Kernan; her loving sister, Heather Rogers; her nephew, Zachary Blanton and her niece, Kathrine Sartin. She is also remembered by her uncle, Kenneth Nichols; her aunt, Miria Griffith; cousins, Norma Krahe, Gregory Griffith, and Thomas Griffith, along with their spouses and children. Retha is fondly remembered by her husband’s siblings—John, Nancy, JP, and Chris—and their families, all of whom held her close in their hearts.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 7 at Rye Hill Baptist Church with a private family burial at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Visitation with the family will begin at 9 a.m. before the service on Tuesday.
Pallbearers will be Mark Williamson, David Williamson, Sammy Griffith, James Griffith, Ty Griffith and Blake Graham. Honorary pallbearers will be John Graham, Carl Graham and Richard Bryant.
Retha’s memory will live on in the laughter, tears, and stories shared by those who loved her. She was truly one of a kind—bold, brilliant, and beautifully unapologetic. To remember her is to smile through tears and celebrate a life lived with fierce love and fearless joy.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
