Marilyn Jean Griffith's Obituary
Marilyn Jean Anderson Griffith, born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on September 16, 1931, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 10, 2022. She was an adored wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was married to her best friend, Richard Andrew “Dick” Griffith for 51 years. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her son, David Allen, and daughter, Patricia Griffith McKinney. She’s survived by her sister, LaVonne Anderson Tiegs of Green Bay, WI., her son-in-law, David Michael McKinney, daughter, Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Selby and son-in-law Bob Selby, her son, John Richard Griffith and daughter-in-law Linda Dyson Griffith. She has five grandchildren – Laura McKinney Snowden, Edmund “Robert” Selby III, John “David” Selby, Richard Andrew “Drew” Selby, and Anna Kathryn Selby Bryan. In addition, she has eight great grandchildren.
She was always active in the lives of her friends and loved ones. Her husband lovingly called her the “Energizer Bunny”.
A native of Wisconsin, Marilyn and Dick moved to North Carolina in 1961. Dick became a chicken farmer and Marilyn helped with the duties of a farm and created a loving and safe home for him and their children. She also was a part-time hair stylist. In the mid-60s, Dick went to college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Marilyn rolled up her sleeves (literally) and ran the chicken farm. In 1968, Dick became the resident manager of Young Life’s Windy Gap. She helped in the many demands of running a camp. Later in life, she was the hostess for First Baptist Church in Asheville for ten years. After being a hostess, she returned to college and took classes in interior design at Western Carolina University. She and Dick started running in their 50s. They ran the Cooper River Bridge race to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary decked in a wedding veil and top hat.
Marilyn was determined, optimistic and incredibly kind. Around 2007, she moved from Asheville, NC to Charlotte to be closer to her two daughters and her grandchildren. Typical of her, she became involved in a variety of efforts. She became an enthusiastic member of Lake Forest Church, Huntersville, Young Life, and Master Gardeners of Concord to name a few. She won the hearts of many. She dearly loved all her friends.
We will celebrate Marilyn’s life on Monday, November 21, at 5:00 pm at LFC-Huntersville. Mike Moses will officiate.
Her last earthly residence was at The Laurels. The staff and Hospice did an amazing job meeting her needs. Many friends brought her flowers. She enjoyed giving these flowers to others. She told Eileen, the Hospice nurse, that flowers were for the living and should be shared.
Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region, https://www.hpccr.org/donate
While she will be missed immensely, her love and spirit will live in all of us who were fortunate enough to know her.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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