Jeanette Binder Griggs

Jeanette Binder Griggs, lovingly called "Jean" by her family, and "Jeanette" by her friends, was born June 7, 1940, to William Binder, Sr., and Julia Mae (Briggs) Binder in Montgomery, Alabama. She was the youngest child of William and Julia's three children, which included her oldest brother William Binder, Jr.(deceased), and her middle brother, Harold Binder (deceased). When Jeanette was a young girl, their father William, passed away. Her Mother eventually met and married Aaron Moore, Sr., giving Jeanette and her brothers three additional siblings: Inell, Aaron Jr., and Gwendolyn.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Montgomery, AL., Jeanette married her High School sweetheart, James Edward Griggs (deceased), who joined the United States Marine Corps. They became the parents of four children: Rodney, Kimla, Querbys, and Sonya. When her husband passed away in 1973, Jeanette relocated with her children from Montgomery to Tuskegee, Alabama, the city where she spent a large part of her childhood with other family members and began her new life. Jeanette and her children lived on Benner Avenue in Tuskegee, while she organized her life, and adjusted to their new normal. She wanted to work in the Nursing profession after helping her husband when he became ill. So, she returned to college and completed Alexander City Community College's two-year Nursing Program. Jeanette originally worked as an Allied Health Educator at the Federal Government's Job Corps Program on the campus of Tuskegee Institute, currently known as Tuskegee University. She later accepted a Nursing position at the VA Medical Center in Tuskegee, AL. While working at the VA, having come from humble beginnings, she was proud to be able to build and purchase her own home in the Marable Subdivision community of Tuskegee. She made good friends at her new job, loved her patients, and remained working at the VA Medical Center until she retired; after retiring, she continued to live in her home in Tuskegee. As Jeanette became older, her children had already moved to different parts of the country. She would go and live with her children and spend time with her family. Her children did not want her living so far away because they would not be able to reach her quickly if the need arose. So, she became open to living in different states.

Jeanette was a Christian, when at home in Tuskegee, she attended Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, eating good food, shopping, watching Joel Osteen, and Monkey BiBi on YouTube. And checking in either by phone, or through lovely cards in the mail, with her best friend, Ms Thelma Harrison, whom she has known since they were young ladies in High School. Although Jeanette graduated from a different High School, she felt blessed that they were able to remain in contact with each other, decades beyond their High School days. Jeanette was also happy when any of her students from Job Corps would reach out to her on Facebook and say, "Hello", many years after they graduated out of Job Corps. They would mention how both she and the Job Corps helped to change their lives for the better.

In later years, Jeanette made even more memories at her "homes away from home" in the Tampa Bay area, Springhill TN, and in the San Diego area. She had been to San Diego many times before, but this time during her stay, she was admitted into the hospital. It was in the hospital; she would later share with her children that she was ready to go...ready to see heaven. Jeanette knew that she was loved more than words could express. She knew that she had done a great job with her children, and she knew that with GOD's grace and mercy, she ran her race well for quite a long time...and she could rest now. She also knew that her children were proud of her, and they could take it from here. So, a few days later, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025; late into the night, with her children by her side, the Lord called Jeanette home. And their Lovely Rose, closed her eyes for the final time on this earth. 🌹

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Griggs; two of her brothers: William Binder, Sr., and Harold Binder; a sister: Inell Moore Asberry; and her nephew, Will Williams, III.

Jeanette leaves to cherish her memory, her children, who love her and miss her every moment of every day: Rodney Griggs, Kimla Griggs, Querbys Griggs (Laura Casas), Sonya Griggs Sleem (Rodger). A stepson, James Cooper, and her Grandsons: Daniel, Christian, and Gael. She is also survived by loving siblings: Aaron Moore, Jr. (Dolores), Alabama; Gwendolyn Moore Williams, (Will), Georgia; sister-in-law Mary Binder (Harold) Ohio; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and close friends.