Frances Rhyne Griffin

Frances embraced life to the fullest. From an early age, she was amazingly strong, industrious and determined in all her endeavors. During her high school and college years, she was awarded honors for her classical singing ability. She was a requested soloist for weddings and funerals in her community and sang on local radio programs. Frances was also a gifted seamstress, designing and sewing clothing for herself, and later for her three daughters. Her creations were original and fashion-forward.

Frances attended Gardner-Webb College, where fortunate circumstances brought her together with fellow student, Bill Griffin. She always believed their meeting was by God’s hand, as she had faithfully prayed for a godly lifelong husband. They wed on August 23,1953.

Frances lived her life as a Christian, faithful to her Savior. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was deeply devoted to her family, and always put their needs before her own. After raising her daughters, she began a new chapter in her life with a successful career in sales at Belk Department Store.

Frances was a wonderful cook who planned and prepared large family meals for every holiday and special occasion. Her grandchildren always looked forward to Maw Maw's famous buttermilk biscuits and pecan pies. She made sure no one visiting her home left hungry (including the many cats who showed up at her door over the years).

Frances was preceded in death by her brothers, Dan Rhyne, Norman Rhyne, Glenn Rhyne, Alvin Rhyne, and her sisters, Katherine Rhyne Pipes and Willodene Rhyne.

Frances is survived by her loving and faithful husband, William H. Griffin. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage.

Frances is also survived by her daughters, Gina Griffin Webb (Dean), Linda Griffin Wright (Phillip), and Donna Griffin Rossi (Robert); grandchildren, Taylor Webb Perry (Scott), Kendall Webb, Lauren Wright Austin (Jonathan), Lindsey Wright Warren (Rashaun), Jeffrey Rossi, Jacquelyn Rossi, and Alayna Rossi; great-grandchildren, Hazel Grace Perry, Mason Austin, and Gabriel Austin.

Frances was loved and cherished by her family. We are thankful for her life and her loving dedication to all of us. She will forever live in our hearts.

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31:31 (NIV)