Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Shannon Garforth Obituary
Born January 13, 1981, Leigh lived most of her life in Clinton, attending Central Hinds Academy and graduating from Clinton High School, where she excelled in tennis, basketball, and scholastics. A University of Southern Mississippi graduate, Leigh worked as a paralegal both in Atlanta and most recently in Jackson for Phelps Dunbar.
Leigh was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Christine S. Watford and Edna S. Garforth.
Leigh is survived by her parents, Don Garforth of Clinton and Jeanne W. Garforth of Hartsville, SC; sister Jamie G. Martin and her husband, Jason, of Clinton; brother Ben Garforth of Kirkwood, WA; paternal grandparents Ezra and Dee Garforth of Charleston, SC; maternal grandfather J. Dan Watford, Sr., of Hartsville, SC; uncles Jack Garforth and his wife Regina of Solon, Ohio; Dan Watford, Jr., and his wife Linda of Hartsville, SC; aunt Libby W. Gabel and her husband Bill of Hartsville, SC; and a special aunt Diane O Callaghan of Lakewood, Ohio. Leigh is also survived by the loves of her life, her two nephews, Taylor and Thomas Martin of Clinton, and a number of cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The American Cancer Society, a local Humane Society, or another favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shannon Garforth
Jamie Martin
March 11, 2007
Leigh,
It's me - sis. I am missing you so badly right now. All Taylor can talk about is the parade on Saturday! He wanted to know if you could come back for the parade "cause my Leigh always goes to the parades!" I told him you would be watching. He said, "oh yeah, she's in the sky, she's always watchin' me!" I love you more than I ever knew was possible and so does he. Well, it's time to pull myself together and get to bed. Love ya lots, Jamie
Marijane & Gene Lupi
March 9, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Jan Thornton
March 1, 2007
Don,Jean,Jamie,Ben and Jason:
As part of the extended family, please know that I love and pray for all of you. Know that Trey and I are always a phone call away and keep you close to our hearts. Leigh continues to be a blessing to all who had the chance to meet her.
In Christ Love,
Jan
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jessi Bradshaw
March 1, 2007
I meet Leigh only a few months ago at my mom's house. She and my little brother had just begun to date. We were all so excited because Jerrold never really brought a girl home to meet us so we all knew it was pretty serious. Only a month after we met we sat down and decided to have a girl's talk about her and Jerrold. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I think about it. We sat on the curb of my parent's house and she said she liked me as a person and she really wanted us to be friends. She really liked my brother and wanted us to get along. I was touched by this. For one reason or another their relationship didn't work out but I truly believe that if they would have met at another time then their relationship might have blossomed. Leigh, I will truly miss you and I will never forget that night when I thought of you as family.
Kristofer Schleicher
February 28, 2007
I had the pleasure of working with Leigh at Wagner, Johnston and Rosenthal in Atlanta. She was bright, fun, and could bring a smile to anyone's face. We were very sorry to see her leave Atlanta and now are deeply saddened at the news of her accident. I hope that her family will find comfort in remembering the light and joy she carried in this world. It is also my prayer that you will in time come to realize that her love and spirit cannot be conquered, even by death. Peace.
Kristofer Schleicher
Avis White
February 27, 2007
Dear Leigh:
I just learned today of your leaving this earth. Although I am deeply saddened, a smile crosses my face as I remember your firecracker personality, and how you kept Mike in line (at Wagner, Johnston & Rosenthal, in Atlanta, GA). Know that you will truly be missed, as I loved you like my own daughter. I know you are giving the Angels a run for their money up there in Heaven! May the Lord Bless and Keep you and your family.
Love forever...
john clark
February 26, 2007
Leigh always had a smile on her face.
She is a gem that will be sorely missed.
Carole Warren
February 24, 2007
Matt was so upset when Ben got in touch with him to let him know about Leigh. Please know that you are on our minds, and in our hearts and prayers. Wes & Carole Warren & Matt & Bethany Warren
Pam Tharp
February 24, 2007
To Leigh's family - Jerry told me and I want you to know how much you have been on my mind. My heart is with you and I am so sorry for this. God bless and comfort you and bring you peace.
Rita & Tom Butler Laura Luchette
February 23, 2007
Don & Family.
There are no words that can bring you enough comfort. May God give you strength during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Natalie Keller
February 23, 2007
To Leigh's Family - Leigh was so full of life. Just thinking about her and her laughter makes me laugh as I write this. I worked with her at Phelps Dunbar and she made me laugh almost daily. She and I together tried out for the first time the new "Tide to Go" pen and we were just amazed at how wonderful it was - I can still see her at my desk just laughing because all her bets were on the fact that it was NOT going to work on her white blouse! And, her and her shoes....didn't matter that they were SO uncomfortable! They looked good!! I hope that you have comfort knowing that she was so full of life and that she is happy and sooooo laughing now. Hold on to those memories and let them keep you happy and laugh....that's what she would have wanted. I loved her and will miss her.
Carol Ortiz
February 23, 2007
Dear Don, Jeanne, and Jamie,
What a sad, sad time for you all. Oscar and I can not even begin to feel and understand the pain you are experiencing. Just know that there are many people who love you all and are praying for you to get through this. We have alot of memories of stories told about Shannon, and Jamie growing up. Also fun trips that were taken for Gingiss, and than Tuxedo Junction.
With deepest sympathy,
Oscar and Carol Ortiz
Paula Ray
February 22, 2007
Jamie, Don, Jean, and Ben,
I am so sorry to hear about Leigh. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love always,
Donna Studer
February 22, 2007
Don & Family: My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Wishing you comfort in the memories you hold. You are in my prayers.
Keeoka Moore
February 21, 2007
Don't dwell on today; remember Leigh as she was here on earth.... FUN, LOVING, and SPIRITED. God bless!
Tony Collums
February 21, 2007
Don and Jeanne:
May God's comforting love help you and your family get through this difficult time. Our prayers will be with you.
Lucy Cannarella Brown
February 21, 2007
Our hearts are broken for you. Leigh was so beautiful in everyway. I pray that the wonderful memories of Leigh and the comfort of family and friends sustain you through this difficult time.
I love each of you very much.
Laura Gabel
February 21, 2007
Garforth,
Sorry about Leigh death. Sorry I cannot be there for the funeral.
Trisha & Jim Kamppila
February 21, 2007
Don and Jamie,
Jimmy and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. You have an angel waiting for you in heaven.
Zenikka Nichols
February 21, 2007
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family. Leigh and I were friends throughtout high school and continued to be friends until her untimely death. Jamie keep your head up and let the boys know how much Leigh loved the two of them. We all loved Leigh but the Lord loved her most. Leigh is free now to see the whole world just the way she wanted to see it and that way was through God's eyes. I'm going to miss Leigh so, much. Love, Zenikka.
Roger Kirschenbaum
February 21, 2007
To the Garforth Family:
My condolences to you. Leigh was a joy to work with when she was in Atlanta. She was energetic and wise beyond her age. A beautiful young woman and soul.
Bruce Pickle
February 20, 2007
Jan and I were deeply saddened to hear of Leigh's untimely death. I have fond memories of Leigh during my time at Central Hinds. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Coach Bruce Pickle
Alecia Reed
February 20, 2007
To the Garforth Family:
I was deeply saddened to learn of Leigh's death. Leigh was such a burst of sunshine and energy. As you know, I had the pleasure of working with Leigh briefly during the summer months while employed at Gingiss Formalwear. Although I cannot possibly begin to understand what you are going through, please know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sara McKercher
February 20, 2007
I'm so sorry for your loss. I met Leigh at school at Southern Miss. She was such a sweetheart and a great friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Keith and Susan Aarseth
February 20, 2007
Dear Don and Jeanne, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time."I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit... and that you would know how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is" Eph 3:16,18
Leslie Fant-Ramsey
February 20, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stacey Everhardt Bennett
February 20, 2007
Mr. Don And Mrs. Jeanne,
I was so heart broken to hear of the loss of Leigh. I remember all the good memeories we had growing up and so many fun times at Central Hinds. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Lloyd and Gwen Everhardt
February 20, 2007
Don and Jeanne,
We were truly sadden by the untimely passing of Leigh. Gwen and I have very fond memories of Stacey and Leigh's friendship.
Nicole Chandler-McNairy
February 20, 2007
Don,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Leigh. I remember watching her grow up and hearing about her many basketball games. I will pray for peace and strength during this difficult time. From a former employee....
John Humphries
February 20, 2007
Don and Jeanne,
Susan and I are greatly saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families at this time. May God's grace be with you.
Sue Luciano
February 20, 2007
Dear Don & Jamie,
I know that words can never express the extreme pain you are feeling. You mean't the world to Leigh as she mean't the world to you. Live in remembering her wonderful kind spirit, she will be watching over you always. I will be thinking and praying for you constantly.
Always Here,
Leigh Carter-Michaels
February 20, 2007
My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.... Leigh was a great person and will be dearly missed..
Sherry Rogers Reynolds
February 20, 2007
Dear Garforth Family,
I am truly sorry and completely saddened to hear about the loss of Leigh. I have so many memories of growing up with Leigh, from the many days on the soccer fields we spent to dressing up for halloweens together. Please know that I am praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this hard time.
Pam Jones
February 20, 2007
We are deeply saddened - Leigh was beautiful person - inside and out. She had an amazing heart, and we will mourn the loss of her spark with us. I pray for peace and comfort for your family.
Leslie Hill
February 20, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Leigh at Phelps. She was a beautiful and funny girl. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Paul & Patsy Mucho
February 20, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jimbo and Mary Williams
February 20, 2007
I have wonderful memories of playing soccer in your front yard with Leigh, Jamie, and Rebecca. Leigh was wonderful young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jerrie Ann Thomas
February 20, 2007
Dear Garforth Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Leigh. She was such a wonderful person inside and out. I've known Leigh for many years now, but most recently our offices were across the hall from each other at Phelps. Each day she made me laugh. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family.
Metrocenter Mall Management Staff
February 20, 2007
Don & Jamie,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.
Kimberly Adams
February 20, 2007
To the Family:
Leigh was very dear to me. She was always a high-spirited individual with a smile and words of encouragement for everyone she met. She was a true inspiration of how one should live everyday to the fullest. Words cannot express my deepest sorrow to you for your loss. I will continue to pray for the family's strength and courage during this difficult time of mourning.
Mournfully yours,
Tanya Spell
February 20, 2007
I worked with Leigh at Phelps. She was such a sweet person. I was so sad when I heard the knews. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amanda Mills
February 20, 2007
May God bless you all through this time. You all will be in my prayers. Leigh was so precious to everyone that she came in contact with. She will truely be missed.
Leslie Mills Nichols
February 20, 2007
I will always cherish our days together on the basketball court at CHS. Leigh was such a good friend and I will miss her dearly. She touched many lives and I know you will always be so very proud of her. My prayers are with you.
April Winslow
February 20, 2007
I had the privilege of getting to know Leigh during the time we worked together here at Phelps Dunbar. She was a great person, and I know she will truly be missed. I pray that God's peace will be with you during this difficult time. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Cleveland
February 20, 2007
I just wanted to let ya'll know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. She will surely be missed by all. Take comfort in knowing that you will again see her someday in Heaven.
Debbie McDonald
February 20, 2007
Words can't express how I feel right now. I loved Leigh like she was part of my family and she was. I had a great time getting to know her in Atlanta when we worked together. She was such a caring, friendly, full of energy young woman.I feel what you are going through and if I can do anything to ease your pain please let me know.
Sandra Brewer
February 20, 2007
To Leigh's Family:
My prayers are with you during this time of loss. Leigh was a beautiful, wonderful person.
Tim & Fran Ireland
February 20, 2007
Don-
We are so sorry about Leigh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rickey and Ashton Hartley
February 20, 2007
We are truly sorrow for your loss and will remember you in our prayers.
Kimberly Boles McNeece
February 20, 2007
The Garfoth Family,
When I heard the news about Leigh it was very heartbreaking and upsetting. I am praying that God will be with you to comfort you. I love you all!
Love and Prayers-
Kimberly Boles McNeece
Meranda & Catherine Cavett
February 20, 2007
Leigh's Family
Our prayers are with you doing this time of your loss.
Rita Abbey
February 20, 2007
I was so sorry to hear about Leigh. She and I worked together while she was at Phelps Dunbar. She had a great sense of humor!! Please know I am thinking of you and your family during this time.
Adrienne Carlisle Warren
February 20, 2007
Jamie ~ I am sorry to hear about Leigh. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Isaiah 40:31 - I know that God will be your strength and carry you thru this time. Love you guys!
Kalee Rongey
February 20, 2007
May God bless your family during this time of sorrow. May He be your comforter!!!
Debra Hardwick
February 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
andy lasky
February 20, 2007
Dear Don,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Respectfully,
Andy Lasky
Barbara Ellenberg
February 20, 2007
To Leigh's Family,
My prayers are with you during this time of loss. I worked with Leigh in Atlanta, and we remained email friends after she returned to Mississippi. There are no words to console, but please know that Leigh was a delight here, and she touched our lives with her humor and her grace.
With deepest sympathy,
Amanda Roberts
February 20, 2007
Jamie, I am truly sorry to hear about Leigh. Know that we are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. PLEASE let me know if you need me for anything. God Bless you all!
Mandy Koop
February 20, 2007
Leigh was recently a roommate of mine and I am so thankful our paths in life crossed. She had a wonderful spirit and was daily reaching out to the Lord. She talked often about her love for her family and nephews. She will be thought of and greatly missed. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Sharon Smith
February 20, 2007
Jeanne,
I was just heart broken to hear the news of Leigh's accident. I can't imagine the loss and pain you're feeling. She was such a sweet, adorable girl. Know that I'm praying for peace and comfort for your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I miss visiting with you.
Lori Cushing
February 20, 2007
Dear Garforth Family,
You are all in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. We love you all and if there is anything else we can do to help in anyway anytime please let us know. The Cushing & Haughton-James Families
Renee Stewart
February 20, 2007
My deepest sympathy at this time and know that my thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Renee Stewart
Scott Lasky
February 20, 2007
I cannot express in words my deepest sympathy for this loss. While I did not have the privelege of knowing Shannon, I do know her father Don. Based on this association I am confident the world has lost a truly good person.
Tiffany Mucho Perry
February 20, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
Carla Kidder
February 20, 2007
Don,
Just know that you and your family are in my prayers.
James VAught
February 20, 2007
Don and Jeanne,
Ellen and I are saddened to hear of your loss. Even though we are not able to get to Mississippi, be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
James and Ellen Vaught
Linda Ingle
February 20, 2007
Jamie I am so very sorry to hear about Leigh . You and your family are in our prayers,turn every thing over to God he will see you and your family threw all you will endure. I am here if you need any thing.Love you Rick & Linda Ingle
Showing 1 - 68 of 68 results
Make a Donation
in Shannon Garforth's name
Memorial Events
for Shannon Garforth
How to support Shannon's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Shannon Garforth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
