Gracie Griffin

Gracie Thomas Griffin was born December 12, 1928 in Sondhammer, Louisiana to John Thomas and Rebecca Blue. In 1960 she moved to Las Vegas, where she began working at MGM Hotel and casino for many years for the famous Lucille Ball as her private maid. During this time Gracie became sick and was scheduled for surgery. The Friday before the surgery she wondered in a little white Pentecostal church, she often told the story how she sat in the back of the church when the preacher asked her to come up for prayer. She said when she came to herself, she was getting off the floor, and felt no more pain, it was gone, she was absolutely healed by the power of God and Monday surgery was cancelled! The Lord beautifully Saved and Changed her life forever, from then everywhere Gracie went she told Everyone about Jesus. Especially her family who she wanted to see Saved the most! Although, she was ridiculed about her faith, she never stopped talking about the Miraculous work of Jesus. One day she shared her Love of Jesus with her Sister-in-Law Elizabeth Thomas during one of their weekly visits (Auntie Lizzy) was filled with the precious Holy Ghost. This inspired Gracie as never before, her Fire and Love for the Word of God caused her to stand out. She was appointed by the Bishop over Young Women’s Christians Counsel at an early age, she taught the young and older women. The bigger the crowd the more she thrived under a heavy teaching and healing anointing, from there, she served as a Distract Missionary. Later Gracie moved to California where she met and married Jessie Griffin, Pastor of Back to Pentecost COGIC, they were married 25 years before he died. Gracie was also a successful entrepreneur running a little business right from her home for many years on the corner of 104th & Hoover in Los Angeles. She faithfully served in ministry as an Evangelist under Myra B. Cotton, of Gods Temple of Deliverance, Grandson, Pastor Charles Shoats & (Andrea), of To God Be the Glory Ministry, years later she would move back to Las Vegas and served under Nephew Bishop Darrel Thomas & (Adrian), of Philadelphia Church, Pastor Lee Washington, & (Branda), World of Evangelist (this was the first time she allowed them to call her Mother of the church instead of Evangelist, she was 87). Lastly she served with Grandson, Pastor Willie Johnson & (Carolyn) of The Divine Kingdom.

She is survived by a son Billy Thomas Jr., a daughter who proceeds her Catherine Thomas Brooks, of Las Vegas Nevada, she is the last of 6 Siblings, 5 brothers (the twins) T.J. (Scottie) Thomas, J.T. Thomas, & Levi Thomas of Kansas City, Missouri, Gus Rodell, George Thomas, & J.W. Brown of California. 1 sister Georgia Kyle of California, 4 Grand Charles & Andrea Shoats, Willie & Carolyn Johnson, Clinton Shoats, Charlotte Allen, 8 Great Grands William & Chantell Blackston, Carolyn & Andrew Emmett, Daryel & Kyla Jernigan, Jerron & Angela Brandt, Micheal Brown Jr., Alexis Shoats, Benny Allen, Crystal Allen, 16 Great-Great Grand & a Host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.