Martha Griffith

Martha Kagawa Griffith, 89, peacefully passed away on December 3, 2024. Martha was born February 6, 1935 in Webster, Texas. She was the 10th and last surviving of 12 children born to Yonekichi and Kichi Kagawa, who had immigrated from Japan to develop rice farming in Texas. The Kagawa’s moved to Webster in 1919, and eventually bought their own farm land where they grew vegetables and raised their children.

Martha honored her parents’ legacy as a proud lifelong resident of Webster, Texas. She graduated from Webster High School in 1953 and her contributions to the community include: Webster Presbyterian Church member, inaugural Webster Citizen Police Academy graduate, multi-grand champion of the 4th of July 42 tournament, dedicated Celebration Committee member, and enthusiastic long-time Senior Night participant. Most importantly, Webster is where Martha and her late husband, William Kennedy Griffith, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage raised their 4 children.

As a grandmother, Martha excelled in her role of “MeeMaw”. Her grandchildren could always expect to be greeted with a fresh pot of rice, seaweed, and soy sauce. In case that wasn’t enough, Martha kept a stash of corn dogs, crackers, and sherbet push ups on hand. She passed on her love of games (and competitive nature) through endless rounds of Yahtzee, Phase Ten and Chicken Foot. She even overcame her fear of flying to visit her Florida grandchildren and visit Disney World to see Mickey Mouse. Whenever you saw Martha, there was a good chance she was wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt. She was his number one fan.

Martha is survived by her four children Steven (Debbie) Griffith, Debra (Bruce) Williford, Kevin Griffith and Kelly (Sean) Domnick; seven grandchildren Justin (Emily)Williford, Brooke (Joel) Garcia, Bryan Griffith, Jenna Griffith, Kathryn Domnick, Sean Domnick Jr. and Madelyn Domnick; three great-grandchildren Caleb and Diana Garcia and Owen Williford; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha’s family is eternally grateful to the staff at the Heritage Clear Lake Memory Care facility for the loving care Martha received there in these final years.

There will be a reunion of Martha’s family and friends to gather and celebrate her life on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Webster Recreation Center specific details to follow.