Maria L. Griffith

Maria L Griffith “Mary” or “ Honey,” loving mother and sister, passed away Sunday, 26 Sep 2021, at age 91, with her daughter, Jane, by her side. Maria’s family is comforted knowing she lived a full life and joins her beloved husband of 65 years, Vernon Griffith, who departed last year. She was also predeceased by her parents, Jose & Amada Jaime, as well as her older brother Antonio Jaime, and 3 of her younger siblings Jose Jaime, Frank Jaime, and Alma Bunnell.

She is survived by her children Jane, Kay, & George, as well as younger siblings Josie Hernandez, Ana Brow, and Eddy Jaime; grandchildren Giancarla, Brian, Racine, Brendon, Blair, Dale and great granddaughter Elke, and several nieces/nephews.

Maria spent many years living overseas in Japan & Europe, due to Vernon’s Air Force Career. While living abroad, she and Vernon took their children to many places in Europe & Asia, which they considered part of their education. While in Japan, Maria thoroughly enjoyed learning the art of Ikebana floral arrangement.

Maria retired from Civil Service, where she last worked at the Defense Language Institute (DLI), Lackland AFB. She enjoyed engaging with the foreign students at DLI so much, she continued to volunteer for many years after retirement, hosting DLI foreign students in her home for holidays and on weekend excursions, to include trips to DC, and Houston Space Center. Many students enjoyed her hospitality so much they reciprocated and hosted Maria in South Korea, Monterey, CA, and Thailand. Maria has many fond DLI memories she takes with her.

In her retirement, Maria said she was never so busy in all her life. She enjoyed traveling, to Egypt, Israel, Panama, Ecuador, Morocco, Costa Rica, Peru, Brazil, Hong Kong, China, Bali, Japan and with Vernon to Ireland & Germany; taking Italian classes with her friend Shirley, as well as ballroom and Senior Dance Classes with City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation. She participated in Senior Hula, Line Dancing, Tap & Ballet Folklorico, other dancing & Zumba. One of her teachers, Mary Duke, also taught Ballet Folklorico to her daughters, Jane & Kay. Maria has many fond memories dancing at the Commander’s House with friends.

Maria loves to dance, and luckily, so does her loving husband, Vernon. She caught his eye at a dance, and they danced together for over 60 years, including when we celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and went dancing at Floore’s Country Store. Vernon was always a hit, with his dips & twirls. Maria was always sweet & kind to share Vernon on the dance floor. When Maria & Vernon had parties at their base quarters, there was always music & dancing, to be sure!

Now that Maria is reunited with Vernon – you can be sure they will be smiling and dancing!

Private family funeral, due to COVID. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Maria Griffith, to www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org.