Shirley Dean (Williams) Griffin

Shirley Dean Williams Griffin left us to enter her eternal home with the lord she so loved on March 29, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. She gave her love so generously and the love was returned by so many. In her final days she shared with us that "she was on her way to heaven and tell everyone she loved them all". Shirley was the eldest of 4 children born to David and Mildred Fordham Williams. She spent most of her life living in Deep Run. As a small child she yearned to go to the church on the hill, that often she would walk to church. She has been a member of the church on the hill, Deep Run Original Free Will Baptist since being a young child and was a dedicated member. She served as the church secretary for 25 years and served God in so many ways as a prayer warrior, youth leader, choir member, but mostly she served him best by setting the example of how to lead and live a Christian life. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Deep Run Fire Dept. Auxillary, Ruritan Club and a retiree from Caswell Center after 25 years of service. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, David and Mildred Williams, her loving husband, Ira Odell “Dick” Griffin, her sister, Mary Elizabeth Smith Wall; brothers, David Elwood Williams and Billy “Willie” Williams; her beloved niece, Joy Smith Barfield; Nephew Jeffrey Williams and most recently her first cousin Claudine "Dinky” Kennedy-Wood.

She is survived by her four children, Glen Griffin and wife Wendy; Susie Griffin Bridgeman and husband Charlie; Jeff Griffin and wife Sherry; and Nelson Griffin.  She leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Traci Griffin Pollock (Dustin) Jessica Griffin Nicholson, Bradford Bridgeman (Shannon), Tyler Griffin and Chris Griffin, and three great grandsons, Eli, Harper and Atticus Nicholson. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Rose (Red Top) Parker and husband Vance and special cousin Sula Ridings, sisters-in-law, Gayle Williams, and Sandra Williams and several beloved nieces and nephews, and her beloved church family and others she considered part of her family.

Shirley loved and cherished her family, her church, her Sunday School class and so many “others” she claimed to be family. She lived life to the fullest which included the 7 “C”s – cooking, cruising with all the children, cards with Isabelle, Dinky, Jo Ann and Claire Murriel, calls from Red Top, putting up corn with Mary and Jack, enjoying casinos and loving her cousins.

          She also enjoyed her travels, particular with Glen and Wendy and she traveled to all 50 states. When she was not traveling she was traveling with her 3 sons by always phone tracking their destinations. She knew when they were at work, at church or at the beach and as long as she knew their locations she was satisfied. Shirley has finally reached her final destination. Now her new adventures will begin in heaven. A special thank you to the 3 ladies that were precious caregivers to Shirley: Linda Thompson, Jane Quinn and Ann Moody

          Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 6pm to 8pm at Deep Run Original Free Will Baptist Church and funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 11am at Deep Run Original Free Will Baptist Church. Burial will follow after the service at the church Cemetery.

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