Lori Elizabeth Newby

Lori Elizabeth Griffin Newby, 40, passed from this life on Thursday, November 11, 2010 after a long courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong Searcy resident, she was born on April 15, 1970. She was a 1988 graduate of Searcy High School, and she graduated with a BA and Masters degree in education from Harding University in 1992. Lori began her elementary teaching career, teaching two years in Jacksonville, one year in Texas and 16 years in Searcy Public Schools. A talented teacher of fourth grade at McRae Elementary, she was loved and respected by her students and fellow faculty members. During the last four years of her struggle with cancer, Lori demonstrated a positive outlook, an encouraging attitude to others, and a strong will to fight her disease. She was a lifelong member of the Downtown Church of Christ. Lori was part of a strong, loving family. She was a faithful daughter, sister, wife and mother. She is survived by her husband, Jon Newby and their children, Ally and Griffin, of the home; her parents, Ray and Georganne Griffin of Searcy; one sister, Kim Mote and her husband, Roddy of Searcy; two brothers, Steven Griffin and his wife Wendy of Birmingham, Alabama and Chad Griffin and his wife Wesley of Greenville, South Carolina; and 16 nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her grandfather, Harold Griffin of Greenwood, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Wanda and George Hunter of Searcy and Jewel Griffin of Greenwood. The family would like to thank the Searcy community for their outstanding expressions of love and support throughout Lori's illness. They are deeply grateful. Visitation will be Saturday from 5 to 7 at Downtown Church of Christ Family Life Center. Funeral services will be at West Side Church of Christ on Sunday, November 14 at 2 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Newby Children's Education fund. Please make checks payable to Harding Academy and mailed to Harding Academy, Box 10775, Searcy, Arkansas 72149.