A dedicated student, Elaine attended Newcastle High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree from the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts in Chickasha, Oklahoma, in 1967. Her passion for learning led her to pursue a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and to perform some graduate work at the University of Oklahoma, all while working full time and raising her family.

Elaine had a fulfilling career as a special education teacher and later as a special education administrator, serving for 35 years, including 23 years in the Newcastle education system. She found her greatest joy in advocating for children with special needs, leaving a lasting impact on her community.

Beyond her professional life, Elaine was deeply involved in civic engagement. A lifelong Democrat, she was active in the Oklahoma Democratic Party and was recognized statewide for her dedication. She ran a spirited and competitive campaign for the state House of Representatives, winning her primary election and narrowly losing the general election.

Elaine also lived an adventurous life. After her retirement, she spent two years in Saudi Arabia with her then-husband, Dennis Perales, embracing new experiences and cultures. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and was very proud of her Chickasaw Native American heritage.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, John and Mae Jean Griffith; her brother, Sherrell “Butch” Griffith; her beloved nephew, Todd Griffith; her longtime partner, Ron Spencer; and many other family members and friends.

She is survived by: her daughter, Rebecca Griffith-Eskew and husband, James, of Waco, Texas; her granddaughter, Lyla Eskew; grandson, Colton Eskew; and great-grandson, Callan Eskew, all of Waco; her sister, Debra Scroggins; sisterin- law Saundra Griffith Grinage (wife of the late Butch Griffith) of Newcastle; her nieces and nephews, Kayla Nail (Karl), of Newcastle, Leslie Chester Griffith (wife of the late Todd Griffith), Ty Griffith (Teri Ann) of Maumelle, Arkansas, and Whitney Fambrough (Ben) of Yukon, Oklahoma.

Elaine continued a close relationship with her former step-daughters Lisa Henderson Gardner and Laura Henderson Browder.

A celebration of Elaine’s life was at 2 p.m. on December 21, 2024, at Asher Point (3209 Village Green Drive, Waco, Texas), where she lived independently for the last few years.

A second celebration of life will be held in Norman, Oklahoma, at 2 p.m. on February 1, 2025, at The Railhouse Event Center (102 West Eufala, Norman, Oklahoma). The celebration of life will be a casual “come and go” affair. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Newcastle Education Foundation or to Wounded Warriors in her memory.