Julia Garcia Griffin

Julia Garcia Griffin, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 24, 2023. Born in Habana, Cuba on October 16, 1935, her parents passed away when she 11 years of age. She was raised by her Uncle and Aunt, Pedro and Maria Moreno.

She and her husband, William Bryan Griffin, Jr. escaped from Cuba in 1960 with only a suitcase, leaving behind her family and life. They settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. Several years later, the family of four moved to Marietta, Georgia. They lived there for the next 20 years until her husband retired to St. Petersburg, Florida where the rest of the Griffin family lived.

Julia and her family were members of First Baptist Church of Marietta, Georgia for several decades. She learned English, taught herself to drive, completed her GED, received a Cosmetology diploma from Marietta-Cobb Vocational-Technical School, and proudly became a US Citizen. She was a fervent American patriot and reminded everyone how fortunate to live in a country that offered so many opportunities.

Julia absolutely adored children and babysat for many friends and family over her lifetime. She was a lifelong animal lover and owned a multitude of dogs and cats. Julia thoroughly enjoyed meeting and spending time with people of all walks of life and nationalities. She always found a way to offer her assistance to others. She never waited to be asked. After her retirement, she devoted her time to gardening. Her yard was the most colorful in the neighborhood and strangers walking past would praise her work. Mostly she enjoyed spending time with family, cooking Cuban meals, and travel. Music and dancing brought smiles to her face. The family feels very blessed to have been loved by such a compassionate and joyful person.

Julia is predeceased by husband, William Bryan Griffin, Jr. She is survived by daughter, Madeleine Griffin- Cone and husband Christopher Cone, son, William Gordon Griffin, granddaughters, Keijara Griffin, Rhiannon Griffin, three great granddaughters, niece, Betty Battle, and grandnephew, John Nelson.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to her caregivers, Leola Siplin, Wanda Carrasquillo, Karen Villegas, Latosha Wheeler, Imilsy Gras Diaz, Claudia Mora Olaya, Zoila Caballero, and Mayleen Gervais.

Funeral service is Wednesday, October 4th, 10am at Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 W Morrison Ave. Tampa, FL 33629. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Life reception will be held at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. In lieu of flowers, please do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone, in her name.