Jonnie Lou Griffin Rayborn

Jonnie Lou Griffin Rayborn passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with her devoted husband of 68 years, Bobby, by her side. Born in Goodman, Mississippi, to Arthur and Minnie Lou Griffin, Jonnie Lou was a proud graduate and valedictorian of the Pascagoula High School Class of 1957. Soon after graduation, she married the love of her life, Bobby Lloyd Rayborn Sr. Bobby often joked that it takes two people to get married — “a girl wanting to, and a willing mother” — and for nearly seven decades, their love story proved him right.

Jonnie Lou’s greatest joy in life was her family. Together, she and Bobby raised two children, Bobby Lloyd Rayborn Jr. and Cathy Ann Rayborn Miller. Their home was filled with laughter, adventure, and an open invitation to anyone who needed a place to belong. Whether traveling to support their children’s and grandchildren’s many activities or spending quiet days at their camp in Monticello, family was always at the center of her heart.

She and her son Bobby shared a special bond built on laughter, music, and countless shared moments. They delighted in practical jokes, cherished movie nights, and never passed up the chance for quality time together. No matter how many years went by, he was never too old to hold her hand. A quiet, constant love that never needed words to be felt.

Her grandchildren will forever cherish the lessons their “MawMaw” taught them: that a garden is best tended with love and patience, that food tastes better when shared, and that humor can brighten even the hardest days. Left to treasure her memory are her eight great-grandchildren each carrying a piece of her kindness and joy.

Jonnie Lou was a longtime member of Eastlawn United Methodist Church, where she lived out her quiet faith through service, hospitality, and love. She was a founding member of the Homemaker Circle Club which has always held a special place in her heart. She loved getting to know so many Christian ladies working together through fun, fellowship and worship.

Her hands were rarely still — she could often be found trying a new recipe or setting the table, whether it was for the next meal or round of whatever game was ready to be played at the family’s Monticello camp, a tradition she passed down through generations. 

In the kitchen, Jonnie Lou had a special kind of magic. She was known for her extensive recipe collection, her famous potato soup, the best banana pudding made from scratch and her blueberry desserts made from berries she had hand-picked each season. Every meal she made was a gift — thoughtful, comforting, and meant to be shared.

Jonnie Lou had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She also passed down her love of shopping — and perhaps more importantly, her love of a good bargain. She delighted in finding treasures, a joy of which all of her girls share. 

As the matriarch of the Rayborn family, Jonnie Lou was the heartbeat of every gathering. Her home was the setting for countless celebrations, none more beloved than the annual Christmas party she hosted with so much joy. She was gentle yet strong, humble yet wise — the kind of woman whose presence anchored a family and whose influence will be felt for generations.

Her granddaughters often say they hope to be to their children what she was to them: a steady hand, a listening ear, and a shining example of love lived out daily.

Jonnie Lou Rayborn’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, devotion, and the quiet power of kindness. Her legacy will continue to grow in the traditions she started, the recipes she shared, and the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In addition to her parents, Jonnie Lou is preceded in death by her brother, Mickey Griffin; and daughter, Cathy Ann Rayborn Miller. 

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Bobby Lloyd Rayborn Sr.; her son, Bobby Lloyd Rayborn, Jr.; grandchildren, Jessica (Jeremy) Goff, Mandalyn (Mark Alan) Ros, Hannah (Allen) Cowart; great-grandchildren, Quinn Goff, Adelia Goff, Trip Ros, Mallie Kay Goff, Krebs Rayborn Goff, her namesake, Jon Collier “Jonnie” Goff, Hayden Cowart, and Rowan Cowart; brother, Bobby Joe (Lucille) Griffin; sister-in-law, Gloria Rayborn. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eastlawn United Methodist Memorial Fund. 2502 Ingalls Avenue, Pascagoula, MS 39567.

Jonnie Lou’s family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers Betty Hunter and Jamie Willis, as well as Kristy Meek and the Hospice of Light team and Reverend Nance Hixon. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Eastlawn United Methodist Church in Pascagoula, MS. The funeral will follow at 1:00pm at the church. Burial will be Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 3:00pm at Greer Cemetery in Jayess, MS. 

Serving as pallbearers are Jeremy Goff, Mark Alan Ros, Allen Cowart, Kyle Churchill, Barry Griffin, and Don Overby. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Overby, Bobby Griffin, Stephen Griffin, David Griffin and Anthony Rayborn.

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