Carmen Long Griffin

Carmen Long Griffin, age 94, passed away on May 17, 2014 in Matthews, NC surrounded by her family. She was born in 1919 in Union County, NC, daughter of Zebulon Long and Lois Helms Long. Carmen had an identical twin sister, six other sisters, and two brothers. They were a hard working farm family. Carmen and her identical twin sister graduated as the Valedictorian and the Salutatorian of their Fairview High School Class of 1936. She also played on the girls’ basketball team. She and her twin sister often joked about who was the smart one and who was the pretty one.

Carmen married Buford D. Griffin in 1939. They enjoyed many friends, much laughter, and fun adventures together throughout their 66 years of marriage.

She is survived by her Sisters Mable Huntley and Evelyn Martin; Sons Alan Griffin and Jan Griffin; Daughter Melba Griffin Aberson and her husband James A. Aberson; and Grandsons Aaron J. Aberson and Nathan G. Aberson.

She was a long time member of Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Mint Hill, NC. She was an accomplished gardener and cook. She had a life-long love of reading and learning that she passed down to all members of her family. She also enjoyed oil painting and artistic pursuits. Her witty conversations and sharp sense of humor were enjoyed by all who knew her and will always be remembered by her family.

The last years of her life were spent as a resident at Wilora Lake Lodge and White Oaks of Waxhaw. Her final days were spent at the Hospice of Matthews Medical Center. The family wishes to thank the staffs of these organizations for the excellent care that they provided and for their concern about her quality of life.

Graveside Service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Mint Hill, NC at 4 PM on Monday May 19, 2014. The family will be receiving all friends and extended family to honor Carmen’s life at McEwen Funeral Home in Mint Hill, NC following the graveside service from 5 to 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made in her name to Easter Seals UCP (Easter Seals UCP, Development Department, 5171 Glenwood Ave., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27612).

Condolences may be done online at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com_