Irene Duke Griffin

Mrs. Cora Irene Duke Griffin, age 84, of Griffin, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Brightmoor Nursing Center. Mrs. Griffin was born June 11, 1927 in Hamilton, Georgia to the late Joe Allen Duke and the late Ozella Hardy Duke. She was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters and by her husband of 54 years, Ernest Griffin. Before her health declined, Mrs. Griffin attended Crestview Baptist Church. After moving to Brightmoor, she attended the chapel services on Sunday as well as the Thursday night Crestview services. She grew up on a farm outside of Hamilton. Along with her four brothers and four sisters, she helped with the various “chores” on the farm including feeding chickens and picking cotton. However, she always said she never learned to milk a cow. During her elementary school years, Irene and her schoolmates had the privilege of singing for President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he came to Pine Mountain Valley. The song was of course, Happy Days Are Here Again. In high school, Irene was an outstanding student and a member of the Beta Club. In 1942, the Duke family moved to Griffin where Irene met her future husband, Ernest Griffin. They were married in January 1943, a few months before Ernest was inducted into the Army. At the end of the war, Ernest returned home and he and Irene resumed building their life together. A stay-at-home mom, Irene reared three children, a son and two daughters. She was very involved in her children’s school life working in PTA and being room mother. She loved to read and always encouraged her children to read and work hard in school. Family was her greatest joy. She enjoyed family outings especially fishing trips and picnics. Her infectious laughter and enjoyment always made every occasion special. Her idea of a picnic was more like Sunday dinner which included fried chicken, fresh vegetables, and desserts. Irene was a good cook. Extended family always loved to come to eat her cooking, especially her hen and dressing. She also enjoyed working in the yard and planting a garden even if it consisted of only a few plants. After her children were older, she started a second career at the Ben Franklin Store. She enjoyed all aspects of retail until her retirement in the mid 1980’s. In retirement, Irene continued to enjoy time with her family which had grown to include a daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, three granddaughters, and two grandsons-in-law. Another interest of Irene’s was traveling with her family. She and Ernest were able to visit nearly every state in the US and also visited several areas in Canada during their travels. Irene was known for her gentle nature and kind spirit. These gifts endeared her to her caregivers when she became a resident at Brightmoor Nursing Center. Mrs. Griffin is survived by her children and their spouses, Calvin and Judy Griffin of Fayetteville, Carol and Randy Fisher of Griffin, and Cheryl and Eric Willoughby of Silver Creek. She is also survived by grandchildren Mari and Kevin Dunn and Marisa and Eric Farmer of Fayetteville and Amy Willoughby of Silver Creek. Other survivors include a sister, JoAnne Ballew and sisters-in-law Eva Mae Manley and Gertrude Griffin as well as many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the many wonderful caregivers and extended family Irene had at Brightmoor. Visitation for Mrs. Irene Duke Griffin will be held Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and prior to the service at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home with The Reverend Jerry Robertson officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Mausoleum.

Irene Duke Griffin

June 11, 1927 - December 1, 2011