Thelma R Griffin

Thelma Ruth Griffin went peacefully to her eternal home on October 26, 2023. She was a committed follower of Christ and a member of Grace Community Church for over 40 years. Thelma was born in Palestine, Tx on December 19,1935 to Elvis Lively and Mildred Malone. She spent most of her childhood and teen years in Palestine and Elkhart. After graduating from high school, her family moved to Houston where she met the man who would become her husband Calvin Clifford Griffin, at church. He was home on furlough from the Navy, dressed in his uniform and he caught her eye and she his. They were married on September 24, 1955, and were blessed with five children. They would spend many years living overseas and at times, she would have to travel alone with five kids in tow. They eventually settled in Tyler, TX. She was a woman with a quiet and gentle spirit who loved her family and having them gathered in her home. She enjoyed cooking and planning special meals or teas for family and friends. Thelma was a role model for her daughters, granddaughters and her sons and grandsons as well. She was a peacemaker in times of conflict and a wealth of wisdom. She served quietly and faithfully in several ministries at Grace Community Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Calvin Clifford Griffin, father Elvis Lively and mother Mildred Malone, brother Raymond Lively, sister Betty Nordstrom, and nephew Don Lively.

She is survived by two daughters, Toni Michael and husband David of Tyler, and Terri Griffin of Wenatchee, WA; three sons: Chris Griffin of Tyler, Dale and wife Beth Griffin of Little Rock, AR, and Cary and wife Alena Griffin of Mifflinburg, PA. She was Grandma to thirteen grandchildren and GrannyT to fifteen great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She has a surviving sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Tom Porter of Suffolk, VA.

Our family is so grateful for Ms. Wynona, her sitter, who loved and cared for our mom as though she as well as the caregivers at The Rose Residential Care Home.

A Celebration of Life under the direction of Tyler Memorial Funeral Home will be held at the chapel at Grace Community Church, 3215 Old Jacksonville Rd., in Tyler on Saturday November 4 at 2pm with Tim Burns of Calvary Chapel Tyler officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County and Grace Community Church Missions Fund. A private graveside service will be held at a later date

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tylermemorial.com for the Griffin family.