Lillian McCauley Griffith

Born February 3, 1942, in Cassity, Randolph County, West Virginia, Lillian was a proud life-long Hillbilly. Or, as she preferred to say, “Mountain William.” Contrary to a yarn she enjoyed spinning, she was not descended from “Devil” Anse Hatfield of the infamous Hatfield and McCoy Feud. What is true is that she was a Coal Miner’s Daughter. And a Coal Miner’s Granddaughter, Niece, Cousin, and just about every other familial relationship there is.

In addition to telling tall tales, Lillian was a voracious reader with a particular devotion to histories and biographies, the family genealogist, and a lover of multiple arts and crafts, including canning, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and quilting.

Lillian possessed a vast vocabulary, making her a formidable Scrabble opponent. She took no small pleasure in flexing her extensive verbal repertoire against anyone with a more formal education. Though she would often attempt to play some word from her West Virginia youth and would protest vehemently when told that such words are not in the dictionary, “Well, they ought to be!”

Lillian was an Eastern Star for many decades and a founding member of the Order of the Amaranth. A Past Worthy Matron of her Tucker OES Chapter, she particularly delighted in serving in the role of Esther and was often called upon by other OES chapters to fill that chair for ceremonies. She spent many years as a “Pink Lady” volunteer at the Scottish Rite Hospital.

Lillian had various employments over the years, but her job - and she took great pride in it - was being a wife and mother. And let there be no doubt that raising her sons was WORK! She often commented that the grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her bonus for all the effort she put into raising her sons.

She worked at the Woolworth lunch counter in Athens as a young woman. While this job would typically not be worth noting, Lillian served the first Black customer at the counter during desegregation in the 1960s. That is worth remembering. When asked about the moment, Lillian always replied, “I honestly don’t know who was more scared, him or me!”

Lillian is survived by her husband, Roger Cecil Griffith, sons, Gregory Clyde (Kelley) Griffith and Malcom Bradley (Katherine) Griffith, granddaughters and grandsons, Lindsey Madison (Ben) Fausone, and Sawyer Christian Griffith, Blake (Amber) Miller, Heather (Taylor) Miller, brother Jerry (Ann) McCauley, nephews and nieces, Jason (Angela) McCauley, Mike (Veronica) Griffith, Brian (Cathy) Griffith, Steve Griffith, Chris (Allison) Griffith, Lynn Bunger, Susan (Scott) Warner, Mickie (Jay Bishko) Griffith, Annie (Ronnie) Hall, several great-grandchildren and scores of great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her nieces of choice, Lynn, Norma, Becky, and June (all nee LaCount). Sadly, their additional siblings, Rita and Jimmy, preceded Lillian in death. Also preceding Lillian in death are her parents, Clyde and Genevieve (Chewning) McCauley, nephews Lamar Griffith, Jr., and Sean (Connie) McCauley.

After meeting and marrying in Athens, Lillian and Cecil moved to Tucker, Georgia, where they remained for 60-plus years until her passing.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Lillian often spoke of how much she looked forward to being reunited with all those she loved and sorely missed who departed over the years. We take comfort in the knowledge that all those reunions are hers now.

A graveside service is scheduled for 1:00 PM, Friday, December 22, 2023, at Evergreen Memorial Park in Athens.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.