Celebration of Life Service for Griffin Mangum
Celebrating the Life & Legacy
of Griffin Mangum
Griffin Mangum, 18, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed from his earthly home to his heavenly one on Thursday, November 23, 2023, to rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 4 pm at Crossgates Baptist Church, 8 Crosswoods Road, Brandon, Mississippi. Pastor David Jett will officiate.
On November 18, 2005, Griffin was born to Heather and Chandler Mangum in Jackson, Mississippi. From the beginning, Griffin looked up to his big brother, Tyler, and spent many days playing and making memories with him. Griffin’s love of music and performance stemmed from this special brotherly bond, and the two would go on to enjoy this passion together through their involvement in the Brandon Show Choir and at church. Throughout 2015 and 2016, Griffin’s family grew with the addition of his “other” mother, Mary Katherine Mangum, and his “other” father, Don Barnes, along with two much-loved sisters, Cameron and Ava. The Lord blessed this expansion and through prayer and devotion to Him, this blended family not only showers each other with love and support, they touch the lives of so many people in their community.
Griffin’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. Some of his favorite activities included traveling with family and with his show choir family. No matter the place or time, when Griffin entered a space, he made it a better place. People who know and love Griffin all agree on his endearing personality, referring to him as a “bright light” with a “huge presence.” He had the ability to make each person he spoke to (and especially those he shared a big ole Griffin hug with) feel as though they were the most important person in the world to him. That was just Griffin, and that was the way he loved.
On February 19, 2023, Griffin was baptized at Crossgates Baptist Church. He loved the Lord with his whole heart, and his desire was to please Him in all things. Matthew 5:14 tells us, “You are the light of the world,” and Griffin certainly shined with the love of God. An active member of the church youth group, he served alongside fellow believers in the community and on mission trips, sharing his love of Jesus. He brought this warmth to Brandon High School where he was a senior this year and was loved by all who knew him. With an unwavering commitment to the performing arts, Griffin served seven years as a member of Brandon High School’s show choir, Brio, where he held the position of choreography leader, and a leader he was! Also an accomplished and gifted writer, Griffin planned to attend Mississippi State University in the fall of 2024.
Griffin was an expert encourager with a sweet soul that impacted many lives in his short time with us. In his role as a Messenger, if there were one thing he could share with us, it would no doubt be that, as Proverbs 27:1 states, “…you do not know what a day may bring,” so do not put off your salvation and living your life for the Lord. As believers, we know we will one day be reunited with Griffin in our eternal home, and Griffin will want to see everyone he loves there.
Griffin was preceded in death by: Grandfathers - Richard McClain & Johnny Mangum, Grandmother - Melaine Parks
Survivors include:
Grandparents - Bonita and Scott Luper, Sara Barnes, Bill Parks, Wanda McClain, Sandra Mangum, Ruth and Sam Cole, Mary Lou Douglas
Parents - Don and Heather Barnes, Chandler and Mary Katherine Mangum
Siblings - Tyler Mangum, Cameron Barnes, Ava Grace Barnes