Polly M Griffith

Polly Sue McAnnally Griffith passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born on January 22, 1930, in Warrior, Alabama, and from the very beginning, family was at the center of her life.

Polly was the eldest of six children born to Joseph Carl “JC” McAnnally and Averille Wall McAnnally. She grew up in Warrior and later moved with her family to Gardendale at age 17, a place that would remain home for most of her life. After graduating from Warrior High School, Polly built a successful career with Liberty National, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

Everything changed when she met Willard Parks Griffith, a widowed father of five. They married in September 1966, and Polly stepped into motherhood with an open heart. She lovingly adopted the four younger Griffith children and became the steady, caring presence they needed. Being a wife, mother, and caregiver was never a duty to Polly—it was her joy.

Polly had a gift for making people feel welcome. She loved cooking, feeding her family, and gathering everyone together, especially during the holidays. Her Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas parties became treasured traditions filled with laughter, good food, and the warmth she so naturally created. Her home was a place where people felt loved simply by being there.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Willard Parks Griffith; her children, Robert Alan Griffith and Jan Griffith; her granddaughter, Amy Griffith Mitchell; and her siblings, Billie Dell McAnnally Morgan and Ervel Wayne McAnnally.

She leaves behind her daughters, Sue Griffith Hamer, Jean Griffith Thornton and Joan Griffith Pell; her grandchildren, Shannon Hamer Hellen (Steve), Sarah Anderson, Elizabeth Thornton Jacobs (Brent), Kathryn Thornton Lamb (Desmond), Melissa Thornton (Lauren), and Eric Griffith; and her great-grandchildren, Matthew Hellen, Christopher Hellen, Damon Lamb, Kalli Lamb, Ava Mitchell, Evan Griffith and Darby Thornton.

She is also survived by her brothers, Joseph Allen McAnnally (Nancy), Donald Perry McAnnally (Judy), and Terry Carl McAnnally (Sheila), along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who were blessed by her presence.

Polly will be remembered for her gentle strength, her sense of humor, and the unwavering love she gave her family. She leaves behind a legacy of the simple but powerful gift of making others feel at home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in Polly’s memory.