Shirley Griffin

Shirley Louise (Smith) Griffin was born on April 1, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio. The eldest daughter of Harry and Alma Smith. She transitioned on July 13, 2026. Shirley graduated from East High School and continued her studies at Central State University.

Shirley leaves to forever cherish her memory, sons Caffrey Griffin, Columbus, Ohio, and Keith Griffin, residing in Charlotte, North Carolina. Daughters-in-law: Shiela Griffin, Monica Roy, and the late Cynthia Griffin. Adopted daughter Martha Brown, who affectionately called her (Other Mother).

Shirley was the matriarch of her siblings, a title that she took seriously. Always willing to access and exceed. Siblings: Harry Smith, Chesapeake, Va, Marva James, Columbus, Ohio, Janice Harris, Charlotte, North Carolina, Donna Wiley, Columbus, Ohio, and Jackie (Patricia) Smith, Columbus, Ohio. Proceeded in death by her parents, Harry and Alma Smith; brothers Donald and Frank Smith, and sister Sue Foster.

Grandchildren: Michelle Battle, Keith Griffin, Juneen Griffin, Aaron Griffin, and Bert Battle, all live in Columbus, Ohio.

Great-grandchildren: Corianna Griffin and the late Christa Louise Griffin, Zaria and Akel Battle. All from Columbus, Ohio.

Great Great Granddaughter Aliyah Williams, Columbus, Ohio.

Devoted friends: Lennie Tinsky, Dawn McGath-Martin, Sharon Thacker, Bill Dross, and Karen Cicilian, and a host of other family and friends.

Shirley was employed at DCSC for 30-plus years with an ending rank of GS13 Supervisor. She loved to travel within the United States and abroad, with a total of 19 cruises under her little feet. She was a devoted member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she also served as church secretary for many years.

A mentor for 13 teenage girls through the PAL center. She also was a strong woman of many words and a very active listener; she sure knew how to keep a secret. But when she spoke, it could remind us of E.F. Hutton; everybody listened and governed themselves accordingly.

The family was remiss in counting the numerous times that she went to see the live production of the Broadway play CATS. Shirley was instrumental in gift-giving donation baskets for the children’s hospital at Christmas time, for the children with cerebral palsy. Insuring parents had hot chocolate and coffee. Lastly, she would like to unwind listening to such musical artists like Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, and Nate King Cole. In summary, just saying that she will be missed is an understatement. Shirley was a strong believer in God, an advocate for women’s rights, and a pillar in the Southfield community where she resided, from 1958 until she was called to her final resting place.

The family of Shirley L. Griffin invites and welcomes your attendance at a Memorial Service in remembrance of her life. Location: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 S. Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 at 2:00 pm.

Please join us for refreshments afterwards.

The Smith-Griffin family would like to thank everyone for all acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. It is much appreciated.