The sweetest soul on Earth, Jared Matthew Griffith, was called home early morning July 3, 2020.
Jared was born August 14, 1985, in Dallas, Texas, to Catherine and Steven Griffith. Jared leaves behind his mother, Catherine Griffith, and her companion Bert Starr; his father, Steven, and his companion Ann Hollingsworth; his beloved little sister Hayley Krupka, and her husband John; his grandmother Marion Balceszak, aunts & uncles Stacy Holley, Stephen Balceszak, Todd & Nancy Griffith, and cousins Joshua Holley, Ashley Howland, and Holly Whiteside.
Jared was always eager to share his love for Barney the Dinosaur videos with his family and friends, and also loved to share his love for crayons. Jared loved Dr. Pepper, crayons, car rides with dad to McDonald’s or Wendy’s, windmills, baked potatoes (every Wednesday at Mom’s house), and music. He enjoyed selections from “The Lion King” and “The Sound of Music”. After months of health issues, Jared was unexpectedly diagnosed June 3 with terminal sigmoid colon cancer. Thanks to the hospice team at Vitas, Jared’s last weeks were spent at home, comfortable and with his friends and family. Mom, Dad, and Hayley were with Jared when he left us. Special thanks to Jennifer, Miriam, Don, Freddie, and Miss Mary for their help taking care of our special guy. Thanks also to Mom’s office colleagues, who offered support, Dr. Pepper, and love over these last few weeks. More thanks to the doctors at UTSW Clements Hospital, who provided help and guidance during the tough days after diagnosis.
Jared attended Plano ISD schools. He loved his teachers at Harrington Elementary, especially Miss Laura, Miss Bonnie, and Miss Mary. At Plano Senior HS, Miss Cindy was a special teacher to Jared. Recently, Jared attended Altruistic Day Program; he loved speech day with Miss Pat – she encouraged Jared’s magazine reading and tablet use.
Jared’s home for many years was with the Volunteers of America Texas home, not far from mom or dad. Dad saw Jared almost every day, and mom saw Jared on Wednesdays for baked potato night at her house, and always Jared joined mom at her house for holidays. Thanks to Cicely, Marlin, and Tia of VOA Texas, for their support. Lots of love to Miss Odessa and Miss Tina, former helpers.
Jared loved car rides, windmills, water towers, and water fountains. He loved balloons, big or small. Jared had an uncanny ability to know where he was on any car ride, due to his great sense of direction.
Jared moved back home with mom in March 2020, and dad visited frequently. Little sister Hayley was also a frequent companion.
Jared seemed to find peace when he was told that the doctors here on Earth could not help him get well, and that God would be sending his friends the Angels to come and get Jared when the time was right.
Jared loved to ask us “What’s next?” We recently have told him that he would get to find out first, and know he is enjoying Heaven and finding out what’s next.
Flowers are welcome, but please also consider a donation in Jared’s name to Camp Summit, Epilepsy Foundation of Texas, or Colorectal Cancer Alliance. And please, get that colonoscopy you’ve been putting off.
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