Biography:

Ethel Belle Griffin Roberts Curry was born July 24, 1935 in a funeral home in Clarksville, Arkansas, she passed away on April 2, 2026 in Little Rock surround by her family. Ethel was the daughter of Bess and Paul Griffin Sr.  From birth and through Ethel’s early years, her father Paul Griffin owned a funeral home in Clarksville that housed the family on one side of the house and the funeral home on the other side.  Later, after moving to Little Rock, Paul Griffin would partner with Harry Leggett to create the Griffin- Leggett Funeral Home.  Ethel graduated from Little Rock Senior High School in 1952.

In 1953 Ethel married Wayland Roberts and they were married 35 years before Wayland’s passing in 1988.  After Wayland’s passing, Ethel married Tom Curry on February 17, 1990 and they were married 30 years before Tom’s passing in 2020.
Ethel was a very longtime member of First Christian Church.  First Christian was Ethel’s close family that she loved dearly.

A gifted pianist, Ethel, studied piano for 12 years and was also blessed with the ability to “play by ear” Ethel shared her talent by playing for Church, weddings, receptions, luncheons, dinners, funerals and continued playing until her end.  Ethel served Markham Street Baptist Church as Pianist 1961-1968
In 1980 Ethel became a real estate agent for Ward-Gibson Realtors.  Ethel was a Million Dollar Producer for the years 1981-1988

Ethel’s great calling was ministering through teaching God’s Word and sharing His love through prayer and worship.  Ethel was a testament for all ages and all groups, lovingly sharing her life in Christ Jesus.

God’s Word says, “To whom much is given—much is required.”  Ethel lived that word, giving back to family, friends and church.  Ethel showed the boundless love God poured out upon her life.  The final thought is, and most important, Ethel was a great mom.  A fond memory is as a child Ethel taking me down weekly to the hillside by the train station to watch the passenger trains.  Because of that nurturing I’ve had a lifelong love of trains and now enjoy the hobby of model railroading.

We want to give special thanks to Ethel’s care givers. Dorene, Inez, Aunasteiy. Tiffany, LaQuilla, Sharon, Danelle, Pearl and Bree.  And a big thank you to Baptist Hospice Care.

Ethel was predeceased by her parents Bess and Paul Griffin, husband Wayland Roberts Sr, husband Tom Curry, Son Wayland (Rusty) Roberts III, brother Paul Griffin Jr, Nephew Paul (Woody) Griffin III, Nephew Timothy Griffin

Ethel is survived by her son Larry Jack Roberts (Jeannie), grandson Thomas Roberts (Valerie) granddaughter, Rhiannon Parker (Matt); and great granddaughters Virginia and Siliva Roberts, stepsons Shannon (Shannon) Curry and Dan Curry, and many Nephews and Nieces

Please make Memorials to First Christian Church and Union Rescue Mission Dorcas House

Graveside service will be held Friday April 17^th at 11:00 at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com