Born November 13, 1927 in Camilla, Georgia, Gwen attended high school in Statesboro and college at Georgia Southern University, formerly known as Georgia Teachers’ College. She won the Miss Georgia Contest and a scholarship to attend the University of Georgia where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Education. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority where she served as Chaplain.
While at the University of Georgia, she met her husband John “Buck” Griffin. They were happily married for 53 years. In the early years of their marriage, Gwen taught at Chase Street Elementary School.
Gwen was a loving, faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens for 70 years. She was a true servant leader having served as an Elder on the Session, on the Sanctuary Committee, the Women of the Church and Flower Guild. She taught elementary Sunday School for 20 years and was a Mission Leader with the Appalachian Service Project.
Gwen’s love for her community was shown through her generous acts of personal kindness and civic involvement. Some of her civic endeavors included the Athens Junior Assembly, Junior Ladies Garden Club, the Sexton’s House at Oconee Hill Cemetery, Tri-Delta advisor and polling site manager. Not only did she contribute her time but also her leadership skills.
A voracious reader and dedicated learner, Gwen traveled the world extensively. She was an avid competitor and sports enthusiast. She loved to laugh and had a tremendous sense of humor. Nothing in her life superseded her faith and love of family.
Gwen was predeceased by her husband, “Buck” and son, John Edwards Griffin III.
She is survived by her three daughters, Marcia Talmadge (Bill), Lisa Griffin, and Mimi Grube (Paul); grandchildren, Erin Talmadge, Nicole Broadnax (Critter), Maria Lindsey, Emily Grube, John Grube; four great-grandchildren, Aubrey Grube, Bourne, Griffin and Covell Broadnax; and her sister, Elaine Kight.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 5, at 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Athens. A reception will immediately follow at the Athens Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Oconee Hill Cemetery and the First Presbyterian Church.
Bernstein Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
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