Sylvia Annette McGriff

Born at home in Conyers, Georgia on August 02, 1936

Died at home in Caddo Mills, Texas on July 09, 2026

Sylvia Annette Granade-McGriff, 89 of Caddo Mills, TX, passed away on July 09, 2026

She was preceded in death by her husband Virgil Albert (Bud) McGriff, daughter Ellen Rene McGriff and son Virgil Scott McGriff.

She is survived by her son Jefferson M. McGriff and his wife Pamela A. McGriff; Grandchildren: Mandy, Travis, Nicole, Danielle, Courtney and Robert; Numerous Great Grandchildren and one Great, Great Grandchild.

Sylvia Annette Granade-McGriff was born on August 2nd, 1936 in Conyers, Georgia. Delivered at home to Henry Virgil Granade and Charlise Mae Heard-Granade.

Sylvia was primarily raised by her maternal grandparents from the age of 2 ½ until she was 10 years old, because her mother worked in Atlanta in order to support she and Sylvia. She came from very humble beginnings as her grandfather “Grandaddy” (Charlie Wood Heard) was a Share Cropper and Grandmother “Dannie” (Ora Mae Heard) a home-maker. Sylvia remembered her time with them as a small child as very happy and not having a care in the world. She never realized until much older that they were poor. But the home was filled with love, the most important ingredient in life.

At the age of 10, Sylvia went to live, in Marietta, Georgia, with her mother and her mother’s new husband Richard Scott Cochrane. She now had a baby brother Dale Cochran and when Sylvia was 14, she got a new baby sister, Linda Marlene “Miki” Morris.

At the age of 14, she didn’t know it but she met the love of her life. She and two of her girlfriends were going to walk home from youth group at church and one of the boys riding a bicycle rode up to them and asked if he could walk them home. Then, up rode “Bud” (Virgil Albert McGriff) who said “Hey, Sylvia already told me I could walk her home”- to which Sylvia replied “What? I don’t even know your name!” She and Bud married on December 25, 1953 the winter of her Senior year in High School. This love story is precious, and one of Sylvia’s life lessons that she would want shared is as follows: “Love and take care of each other at all times – Everything else falls into place after that!”

She and Bud had three children:

1. Scott McGriff

2. Ellen McGriff

3. Jeff McGriff

She went by many names – Sylvia, Sport, Mom, Grandma, Gigi and she absolutely answered to all of them with love.

Sylvia and Bud made their forever home in El Paso, TX in the 1960’s. During this time, they raised their children to love the Lord – those internal to the family called them the “Fabulous 5”. Their daughter Ellen passed away in September of 1974 at the age of 13. Then the love of her life Bud passed away in January 1988. Followed by her son Scott in October 2013.

Sylvia loved her church families here in El Paso, and even after the passing of her beloved Bud – She continued to serve without wavering. She was there every time the doors were open, at every service, assisted in so many different ministries and even took people grocery shopping and to doctor’s appointments.

There are so many wonderful stories to share and beautiful memories that we all have of Sylvia – From the way she would remember each family member in a heart-warming way during a special occasion or a special day.

She would want for me to share with you her thoughts on character and values:

1. Take the time to just “sit and listen”

2. Be yourself and be willing to help others

3. Visit the shut-ins if you know of any

4. Laugh as often as you like

5. Always have something on the table for everyone

6. Compliment others and be encouraging

7. Always remain humble and kind

8. Never go to bed upset

9. Always look for the best in others, especially when your patience with them is paper thin.

She would want for me to tell everyone here today and those that could not make this service; that you all made each and every one of her days a blessing and that she loved you all so very much!

Sylvia would want for me to share with you her favorite bible verse:

Psalm 121:1-2 – “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

She would want you to know that this whole chapter of the bible has given her the strength over the years to face all of the trials and tribulations that came her way.

She would want you all to know just how blessed she felt being a part of your lives and ask you to keep the beautiful memories made over the years close to your hearts.

Last, but definitely not least – She would tell you all – “There may be tears and there may be sorrow – but know that I am now with my Heavenly Father – there’s no more pain here, no more tears – I am with my Father, my Creator, my Jesus.

A Graveside Service will be held at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906, US, on July 16, 2026, at 9:00 am.