Ms. Earlene Justice Tranum of Tupelo, formerly of the Kirkville community, died peacefully Monday, February 27, 2023 at her residence following an extended illness. She was born May 23, 1932 in Itawamba County, Mississippi to the union of Sylvester “Bud” Justice and Ophia “Offie” Martin Justice. Earlene was a lineworker employed by DayBrite Lighting for many years and Mantachie Manufacturing during her younger adult career. She was a Lady who loved the Lord and an active member of Oak Ridge Christian Church where she played the piano and organ. After age 50, she said the Lord allowed her to learn the dulcimer guitar and she would play for him. She used all her musical talents to serve the Lord and make music at area nursing homes on Sundays and during the week. She was a volunteer at Verona Senior Center Nursing Home where she enjoyed visiting and sitting with the sick. She was a member of NMMC Wellness Center and enjoyed swimming later in life. She was one of the first members of Tupelo Ballroom Dancing and honored for her many years.
A celebration of Earlene’s life and home-going will be at 2 PM, Thursday, March 2, 2023 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Pastor Archie Talfager and Bro. Dale Carr officiating. Private burial will follow at Kirkville Cemetery in the Griggs family plot. Visitation will be today, Wednesday from 5 PM – 7 PM and Thursday from 12 noon to service time.
Survivors include her children, Jo Ann Griggs, Sue Ellen Poirier, and Carolene Franklin, all of Tupelo; ten grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, and her beloved dog of 16 years, Ruffy who was sweet, very spoiled and her little buddy. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, James William Griggs and Timothy Griggs; her brothers and sisters; grandson, Ricky Anthony Griggs; father of her children, James LR Griggs; second husband, Douglas Cummings, and son-in-law, James Poirier.
Memorials may be sent to Tupelo Ballroom Dancing Club Scholarship Fund, C/O Betty Franks, P.O. Box 1447, Saltillo, MS 38866
