Melissa Yvonne "Missy" Early Griffith, 59, of Closplint, departed this life on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Rockcastle Regional Hospital in Mount Vernon following a long illness. Born April 29, 1966 in Harlan County, she had lived here all of her life. Missy was a graduate of Evarts High School, a homemaker and enjoyed word search puzzles.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul Glenn Early and Louisa "Gal" Polson Early; her husband, Wendell Lee Griffith; two sons, Tyler Lee Griffith and Kyle Travis Early; an uncle, James Marvin Polson; and her grandparents, James and Hester Polson and Nevil and Ida Early.

Survivors include a brother, Glen Alfred Early, Jones Creek; three aunts, Katy Sergent, Cumberland; Cathy Drew, Putney and Josie Kelley, Pigeon Forge; an uncle, Carr David Polson, Evarts; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 12 noon until 2 pm at the Evarts Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin in the chapel at 2 pm with the Reverend Perry Long officiating.

Burial will follow in the Harlan County Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Melissa Yvonne "Missy" Early Griffith.