She was born on November 11, 1929, in Cottondale, Florida, to G. Cleveland Eldridge and Christine Burlison Eldridge. Spending most of her life in Columbus Georgia, she lived a long, vibrant life marked by elegance, generosity, and a deep love for family, culture, and community.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, James Griffin, David Schwob, George Fry, and her beloved D. Clyde Fountain; her twin sister, Melva Eldridge Scroggins; and her sister, Mary Sue Batastini.
Mellie and Clyde shared a full and active social life. They were longtime members and supporters of Columbus Country Club, Green Island Country Club, and Big Eddy Club. Together, they generously supported the arts and education in their community and were faithful attendees of First Baptist Church of Columbus. They funded the Clyde and Mellie Fountain Music Scholarship at Columbus State University, contributed to Columbus Museum, and Mellie served as President of the Ruth Schutzbank Schwob Music Fund.
Mellie traveled the world and embraced life with curiosity and refinement. She enjoyed films, art, reading, playing bridge, and dining out with friends and family often. She was elegant, sophisticated, stylish, and generous — and when it came to those she loved or causes she believed in, she spared no expense.
She is survived by her sister, Betty Fishner; her son, James W. Griffin Sr (Fern); her grandson, James W. Griffin Jr (Heather) and their son, Wyatt; her grandson, Kevin H. Griffin (Liz) and their children, Frances, Mary, and Oliver; and last but not least, a spoiled rotten beagle named Sadie.
Mellie will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the generosity and legacy she leaves behind through the generations and the community she so gratefully supported.
