Ethel Frances Griffin

Her Life, Her Legacy, Her Love, Her Peace

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." —Psalm 118:24

Her Life

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm

you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Before the world knew her voice, her grace or the legacy she would leave behind, there was

a bright morning on September 26, 1948 in Harrisburg, Texas, when Edie Buggs entered the

world. Edie was born to Mella Mae Hafford Sims (“Mama Sims”) and Henry James Buggs and

was a soul destined to shine. Raised in Houston’s public schools, Edie’s brilliance was

evident early on, graduating with honors from Houston’s Kashmere High School in 1966. It

wasn’t just her academic excellence that turned heads, it was the way she moved, the way

she led and the way she inspired. As the proud Drum Major of the Kashmere Marching

Band, Edie didn’t just keep time, she set it. Her passion for music and movement lit a spark

within her that would guide her journey for decades to come. Edie’s talents and

determination earned her a scholarship to Morgan State University, where she continued

to lead as Drum Major for the university’s band. Soon after she matriculated to Morgan

State, she married Willie George “Bill” Griffin. Together, they welcomed two sons into the

world: Douglass “Doug” Jerrard Griffin and Quentin “Qu” Jamal Griffin.

Her spiritual foundation was laid early at Bethany Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, under

the pastorate of the late Rev. L. B. Brown. In Mama Sims’ house, church wasn’t optional—it

was a way of life. Later, Edie became a devoted member of New Mount Carmel Baptist

Church, serving faithfully for over five decades under the leadership of the late Rev. C. A.

Berry and now Rev. H. R. Berry, until her health began to decline.

Professionally, Edie dedicated over 22 years to Exxon and retired from Exxon as a senior

geological technician. She was also a realtor and served for many years as secretary at New

Mount Carmel. Edie was lovingly teased as a “professional student” because her thirst for

knowledge was insatiable. She spoke with perfect diction and was an avid reader and gifted

writer. She was resourceful and her creativity extended to sewing; if she wanted a new

outfit, she’d simply design and sew it herself, with bolts of fabric always at her disposal.

Her Legacy

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do

noble things, but you surpass them all.'" Proverbs 31:28–29

Edie’s love for her family was unwavering. Her devotion to her mother, she affectionately

called “Lady,” was deep and enduring and Edie cared for Lady until her passing. Edie’s sons

were her heartbeats, and her greatest joy emerged with the birth of her granddaughter,

Maiya. That little girl captured every piece of Edie’s heart. Edie’s unapologetic love for her

family radiated through every precious moment she shared with them.

Her Love

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13:13

Edie’s love for music and worship was profound. Over fifty years ago, in the old New Mount

Carmel sanctuary, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully one Sunday morning. Edie was singing

from the pews when Rev. C. A. Berry called her out, declaring that God could use her. That

day, Edie rededicated her life to Christ, joined the church and became a cherished member

of the Sanctuary Choir. She was a mainstay until her health began to decline.

She sang with The Angels, a group organized by Rev. C. A. Berry to accompany him when

he preached revival services. Their harmony was heavenly: Edie (soprano), Pat (soprano),

Earlene (high soprano), Sandra (alto) and Linda (tenor). They traveled within Houston and

to out-of-town engagements, lifting their voices in praise to the glory of God, under the

direction of Dr. Jessie Mae Berry and Rev. C. A. Berry. Edie’s strong lyric soprano voice was

matchless and will be deeply missed.

Her Peace

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

Isaiah 26:3

Edie was preceded in death by her mother, Mella Mae Sims; her father, Henry James Buggs;

her son, Douglass Jerrard Griffin; and sister-in-law, Erika Buggs.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in the hearts of her devoted son, Quentin Jamal

Griffin (Lacy); brother, Sgt. Frankie Lee Buggs (Sandra) of Queen Creek, Arizona; daughterin-law, Nicole Lynn Griffin of Angleton, Texas; stepson, L. Troy Griffin of Denver, Colorado;

stepdaughter, Toshia Griffin of Los Angeles, California; granddaughter, Maiya Noelle

Griffin; grandchildren, Brandon James Mayo (Ashli), Justin Michael Mayo (Mary), Kaitlynn

Nicole Mayo and Christian Douglas Mayo (Rachael); and great-grandchildren, Zacharey,

Griffin and Della.

She is also lovingly remembered by her “ride or die” sisters and friends Sandra Gamble and

Earlene Boldon; her bonus children Roy Alan Boldon and R. Michelle Boldon; and a host of

nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

On August 19, 2025, at 1:52 p.m., Edie peacefully transitioned from labor to reward, with her

beloved son by her side. She now abides in the promise she so often sang about: “And I

shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

A visitation for Ethel will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at New Mt Carmel Baptist Church, 4301 Weaver Rd, Houston, TX 77016. A life celebration will immediately follow from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4301 Weaver Rd, Houston, TX 77016. The committal will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Paradise Cemetery North, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088.