Erma Dean Griffith

Her rich legacy of love and Christian service will be celebrated at Quaker Avenue Church of Christ, 1701 Quaker Ave., Thursday, June 13, 1:00 p.m. Family will receive visitors Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Erma Dean was born to Robert Gerald and Willie Jewel (Forgus) Finley, in Meadow Jan. 5, 1928. She grew up in Meadow, Brownfield, Roosevelt and Lubbock, graduating from Lubbock High School and attending Texas Tech.

On Jan. 22, 1947, she and Chester Eugene Griffith were married in Lubbock. The family lived in Lubbock, Farmers Branch and New Deal. In 1980, Chester and Erma Dean bought ranch property near Breckenridge, where they retired in 1985.

Erma Dean served alongside Chester while he was an elder with the Farmers Branch Church of Christ and in Lubbock as deacon 1967-1974 for the congregations at 22nd & Memphis Ave. and 17th & Quaker Ave. They were also active members at Breckenridge Church of Christ during their residence there.

Renowned for her cooking and gracious hospitality, Erma Dean was hostess to countless family, friends and church family. For more than 20 years, she and Chester lovingly cared for numerous foster children. They faithfully attended the elderly and anyone who needed help. Truly a “home maker,” Erma Dean’s table was filled with home-grown garden produce, her home and family blessed by her sewing talents, and many lives influenced by her example and guidance.

Erma Dean is survived by daughters Linda Lewis of Springfield, Missouri; Patricia Griffith of Lubbock, Debra and husband Garlon Wood also of Lubbock, and one brother, Bobby Finley, of Brownwood. She was beloved Grandmother to ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death (2010) by her husband of 63 years; two adopted sons, Tommy Eugene "Gene" Booth and Walter Scott Griffith; son-in-law, Barry Lewis, grandson, Dr. Barrett Lewis, and brothers Don Finley and James Finley. Survivors also include Gene's widow, Myra and husband Tommy Reece of Lubbock.

The family expresses appreciation to the staff of Phoenix House and Odyssey Hospice for the care they provided Erma Dean.

Minister David Langford will officiate the services. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Resthaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, with burial at Resthaven Memorial Park following services. Memorials may be made to the Mission Fund at Quaker Ave. Church of Christ, 1701 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX 79416. Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.