Donna Lea Griffin

Donna Lea Griffin died peacefully at her home in Beaumont on September 22, 2017, with her family around her. She was 91 years old.

Donna was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1926 to Robert and Mabel Garner. The family lived in Idaho for a time before settling in Vicksburg, Mississippi. They moved to Southern California when Donna was a teenager, where she met E.R. Griffin. They were married in 1943 when she was 17 and he was serving in the Navy in World War II. They remained married for 46 years and raised three children together. When E.R. became active in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Donna became active in the GIA, the women’s auxiliary to the BLE, often taking a leadership role. She was also active in the Eastern Star, the Masonic auxiliary. She served as informal den mother to the men of the BLE who frequented the home and often accepted breakfast and other meals from her while there. She welcomed anyone with food and hospitality, including the high school football team if they happened to show up with one of her sons. She provided love and guidance not only to her children but to their friends, her nieces and nephews, grandchildren, friends, and anyone else in need of a caring presence. She was the strong center of the family and will be sorely missed by all.

Donna was predeceased by her husband E.R. Griffin and her son Robert Lee Griffin. She is survived by her son Gerald Griffin and her daughter Leslie Griffin; her grandchildren David Griffin, Heather Delwisch, Paige Griffin and Sean O’Griffin; and her great-grandchildren Hailee and Kelsey Griffin and Christopher, Destiny and Faith Delwisch. Her remains will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn in Cypress with graveside services on October 9. No flowers please.

Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.