Margaret Ruth Griffith

Margaret Ruth Griffith died peacefully in her Courtenay Springs Village home on Merritt Island, Florida on September 23, 2017 at the age of 74. Born on December 6, 1943 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Rex A. and Jean Roberta (Berry) Griffith, Margaret was a child filled with joy and wonder.

At the age of 18 months she was stricken with spinal meningitis, and her parents were told that if she survived she would be in a “vegetative state.” In spite of losing her hearing and her ability to speak, Margaret was an Overcomer who came to attend the Michigan School of the Deaf – and graduated after learning many communication and life skills.

A doting big sister to Jane (born in 1947) they loved playing in the snow, riding bikes, playing with their pet rabbits, dog Rusty, ducks and chickens, and anything else that would wander into their yard made for a day of simple fun. There was even a tortoise they would ride upon. Dancing was something Margaret enjoyed with her best friend Carolyn; whose friendship came easily as two young girls who would write with sticks in the sand to communicate with one another. Carolyn remained a life-long friend, sending cards and letters, and visiting when she was able.

In 1963 the family relocated to Jacksonville, and in 1967 Jean and Margaret moved to Clearwater. With much of the family settled in Central Florida they all enjoyed numerous trips to Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, and the Beaches. Over 40 years Margaret’s love of all things Mickey Mouse grew and grew. From stuffed animals to bedding and décor to autograph books filled with signatures of the beloved Disney Characters, she truly adored Mickey and his pals. Always one to color (only using Crayola Crayons), it is believed she amassed a collection of over 1000 coloring books during her lifetime; a gift she loved to share as she spent time with her nieces and nephews. She did love to tease the kids, watch TV, have picnics in the park, go on the family boat, and go to restaurants, but her most cherished days were that with family at Walt Disney World. Having great respect for authority, it was not unusual to stop and take her photo with law enforcement officers or Park Rangers. She enjoyed flying and meeting the pilots and passengers alike. Most of all, Margaret cherished the Word of God, always reading her Bible and sharing the Good News with others through sign language or writings.

In 1973, when Jean remarried, Margaret had a new sister in Judy and a brother in Jimmy; both of whom she enjoyed visiting, and writing often. Many inflictions upon the Earth hindered Margaret, but she never gave up. She loved her nieces and nephews with all of her heart, and delighted in spending time with family.

Margaret is survived by her sister Jane, step-sister Judy, 8 nieces and nephews, 18 great-nieces and nephews, and 6 great-great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Rex A. Griffith, Jean McClelland, step-fathers Jim McClelland and Don Helms, step-mother Rose, and step-brother Jimmy McClelland.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 21st at 2pm, at Brevard Memorial Home, located at 5475 North Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32927. The family would like to express their thanks to Courtenay Springs Village for the 8 years of care and compassion they showed. In honor of Margaret, donations may be made to Vitas Healthcare, 4450 West Eau Gallie Blvd, Suite 250, Melbourne, FL 32934.