Mrs. Dorothy Griffin (“Dottie,” Mom, Meme) completed her earthly journey on April 13, 2013.
Always the teacher, she led once again with tenderness, grace and a whispered “thank you” to all, or a wave of her hand.
Dorothy Abernathy Griffin was the “baby” of seven born to William and Carrie Abernathy in Tuscaloosa on September 6, 1925.
She is survived by her sister and playmate, Mae Robinson of Meridian, Miss.
Dottie grew up two blocks from the University of Alabama campus and remained an avid Roll Tide fan all of her 87 years. It was there she worked her way through school as secretary to several deans and received her B.S. in education.
She taught various subjects and grade levels over the years, enjoying the uniqueness of each.
Raised with a strong faith and love of God, she said she wanted to marry a minister. That she did, or rather she married James A. Griffin Jr. and helped make him one. Together they served parishes in the Alabama-West Florida Conference, loving them all, for more than 40 years. Their last parishes were in Marlow and Gulf Shores.
In 2008 they moved to Westminster Village, happily making a home amidst friends old and new. The entire Westminster-Bayridge Community has brought abundant blessings to the Griffin family.
Though the Rev. Griffin died in 2008, their partnership of ministry continued in commitment to their country, fellowman, family and God.
Mrs. Griffin is survived by her son, “Skip;” and daughter Melanie Moore (Bob). Through their lives came the gifts of four grandchildren, Allen and Nathan Cox, and Mike and Laura Griffin. Love grew again and there were “bonus” grandchildren, their spouses and beautiful great-grandchildren.
She joyfully shared the children with others, and said she would have a perfect dozen of “great” blessing in May. She never failed to have time for a child — any child.
Services were held Monday, April 15, 2013 at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley. The Rev. Debora Bishop and Dr. Thomas Lane Butts officiated.
The family requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the United Methodist Children's Home, 3140 Zelda Court, Montgomery, AL 36106, or the Westminister Foundation, 500 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home.
