Virginia Claire Smith Griffin was born on December 10, 1928 in Winters, Texas to James Floyd Smith and Myra Belle Murchison Smith. Her Resurrection Day was May 14, 2014. She was a B.S. graduate from Hardin-Simmons University in 1949 where she was active in the drama department and the Cowboy band. She was also a Cowgirl and Summer Queen.
Claire met the love of her life John Edward Griffin, M.D. at a Hardin-Simmons football game. They married on the “Bride and Groom” Radio Show in Los Angeles, Ca. on August 18, 1949 and as part of their prize package they honeymooned at the Del Coronado Resort in San Diego, Ca. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they returned to this special place.
While her husband finished up his medical residency in Dallas, she taught elementary school before her three children were born. She surrounded her family with beauty, which was reflected in her love of entertaining, decorating, fashion, sewing, cooking, gardening, flower arranging, reading, and traveling.
Claire was an active member for almost fifty years of First Baptist Church, Dallas where she was had a passion for missions. She served her Lord through WMU, mission trips, and teaching Conversational English. She also joyfully sang in the church choir and later in the Senior Adults Choir. She and John instilled in their children a love for the Lord, for God’s Word, and for the Church. She developed many lifelong friends from her membership in the Junior Three Arts.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years. She is survived by her much-loved three children and their spouses: Rev. Brenda Claire Griffin Warren (husband Harvey); John David Griffin, J.D. (wife Becky); and Paul Andrew Griffin, D.D.S. (wife Jennifer). Seven grandchildren: John Lockhart Warren and James Griffin Warren; Lindsay Lynn Griffin Craig (husband Ryan), Jeffrey David Griffin (wife Elyse), Byron Tanner Griffin (wife Maggie); and Michael Adam Griffin and namesakes Patricia Claire Griffin and great-granddaughter Charlotte Jean-Claire Craig. She is also survived by her step-brother Wendell Dorsett (wife Norma); sister–in-law Marie Griffin Haynie (husband Edward); and four nieces and their families.
We are grateful to Prestonwood Court in Plano and Vitas Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
A service to celebrate her life will be Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home at 7405 W. Northwest Hwy. in Dallas with visitation preceding the service from 1:00-2:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave. P.O. Box 6767 Richmond, VA 23230-0767.
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