Reverend Willie Frank Griffin

May 6, 2015

Rev. Willie F. Griffin was born on November 3, 1937, to the late Rev. David Thomas and Sis. Alma Griffin of Decatur County. A lifelong resident of Decatur County, he joined St. Stephens A.M.E. Church on August 12, 1952, where he met his best friend, the love of his life, Sister Emma Lee Griffin of Bainbridge, Georgia, and they entered into holy matrimony on February 14, 1960. In November 1961, Rev. Griffin was given the gift and called to pastor, preach, and teach. He received his Itinerant Deacon order in 1963, and Itinerant Elder order in October 1965.

“Those whose leadership in service includes preaching and teaching the Word of God, administration of the sacraments, ordering the Church for its mission and service, and administration of the Discipline of the Church are ordained as elders.”

Rev. Willie F. Griffin shepherded the following congregations: St. John A.M.E. Church,

Branchville A.M.E. Church, Oak Grove A.M.E. Church, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, Rocky Hill A.M.E. Church, St. Mary A.M.E. Church, Little Bethel A.M.E. Church, St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Bethlehem A.M.E. Church.

Rev. Willie F. Griffin was a faithful, hardworking servant leader of God on the spiritual battlefield. He was passionate to help humanity grow and mature in loving God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbor as themselves. In his leisure time, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and making sweet potato pies.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2015, Reverend Willie F. Griffin was called home to spend eternity in heaven with his Lord and Savior. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14: 1-3 NRSV).

He was preceded in death by his devoted, Sis. Emma Lee Griffin; two infant daughters, Cassandra and Deborah Griffin; a beloved granddaughter, IC3 Marissa Nichole Martinelli; his parents, Rev. David Thomas and Alma Griffin; siblings Mary Griffin, Jennie Griffin, Sandra Griffin-Lewis, and Alphonzo Griffin.

He leaves to treasure and preserve his memory: his faithful three children: Eric (Mary) Griffin of Waldorf, Maryland; Rev. Clarissa (Martin) Martinelli of Waukegan, Illinois; Anthony (Margarita) Griffin of Laguna, California; a special daughter, Janice Lewis of Bainbridge, Georgia; ten grandchildren, LaMishia Griffin, Canishia Griffin, LaTashia Griffin, Biancha Martinelli, Sophia Martinelli, Nicolas Martinelli, Alexandria Griffin, Erika Griffin, Eryn Griffin, and Samantha Griffin; three great-grandchildren: Rashaun Stubbs, Malia Stubbs, and JaMaya Griffin; siblings Jimmie (Mary) Griffin, Zealine (Rev. Donald) Davenport, Brenda “B.J.” Bethea; a special sister-cousin, Annie Luree Griffin; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Christian sisters and brothers.

Flowers and other gifts can be sent to Bruton Mortuary (635 Bruton Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819). Memorial contributions can be sent to St. Stephens A.M.E. Church (1091 Hutchinson Ferry Road, Bainbridge, GA 39819). Funeral services will be held at St. Stephens A.M.E. Church on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 11 a.m.. A final viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at this church. Interment will be at Hannatown Cemetery, McMillan Road, Bainbridge, Georgia.