Ned Griffin Jr.

In Loving Memory Deacon Ned Griffin. Sunrise: April 28, 1926. Sunset: March 18, 2012. Monday, March 26, 2012. Visitation: 10:00 a.m., Celebration: 11:00 a.m. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 4501 South Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60653. Rev. Marcel Kerr, Pastor ~ Officiating Minister. Deacon Ned Griffin, "The Silent Giant": On June 28, 1926 Ethel Hunter and Ned Griffin, Sr. of Sardis, Alabama, were blessed with their third son, Ned Griffin, Jr. At some point, his birth date was 'mysteriously' changed to April 28 - which he celebrated - giving him two birthdays every year. His parents; brothers James, Jesse, Willie; and only sister Ethel, preceded him in physical death. Ned Griffin received his formal education at East Salem Elementary School, and Selma University High School in Alabama. While living in Selma, he attended East Salem Baptist Church. In 1946, Ned relocated to Chicago, Illinois with his older brother James, and a year later united with Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church under the late Pastor J.H.L. Smith. In 1993 Ned Griffin was ordained a Deacon, and faithfully served in that capacity, and as a Sunday School Teacher until his health declined. In 1947, Deacon Griffin's destiny guided him to employment at Woolworths, where he met and fell in love with the magnificent Marie Lane Hurst. A world-wind romance occurred that led to a 51-year marriage. Eleven children were born to this union. Deacon Ned and Sis. Marie remained united until death separated them in 2003. Other careers included Henderson Pontiac and the United States Post Office. He left one of these jobs after only seven months because of dust. The Chicago Board of Education was where he landed in 1957, and remained for 32 years before retiring in 1989. Deacon Griffin was a "giant" of a man who was blessed with a full quiver. As a retiree, widower, and devoted father, he enjoyed spending time with his large family; watching his favorite TV programs; and spoiling his grandchildren. On Sunday morning, March 18, 2012, the "giant" was silenced forever when he peacefully departed this life. He leaves to cherish his wonderful memory: seven sons, Stanley, Ned III (Michele), Lloyd Sr. (Bernice), Marvin, Steven of Colorado Springs, CO, Ameil (LaTasha), and Minister Clarence (Cheryl); four daughters, Ada, Marie Griffin Rogers (James), Ethel of Colorado Springs, CO, and Martha; twenty-seven grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Lawrence (Sandy) of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Franklin of Clarksville, Tennessee; sister-in-law Inez Griffin of South Holland, Illinois; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors and friends, and his Ebenezer Church Family. Order of Service: Organ Prelude; Processional; Call to Worship Psalm 90:1-2; Hymn of Consolation - Amazing Grace; Scriptures - Rev. James Thompson, Associate Minister (Old Testament Psalm 23, New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); Invocation - Pastor Ricky Guyton, Body of Christ Church; Music of Comfort - Sis. Sarah Billups; Obituary (read silently); Resolutions & Acknowledgements - Church Clerk; Expressions - Sis. Marie Griffin Rogers; Music of Comfort - Rev. Ralph Ramey, Jr.; Message of Comfort - Pastor Marcel Kerr; Benediction - Pastor Marcel Kerr; Recessional. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 East 67th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637 (immediately following the service). Pall Bearers: Lloyd C. Griffin, Jr., Maurice A. Griffin, Bryce D. Griffin, Christopher J. Griffin, Michael A. Griffin, Howard A. Gant II, Kionte L. Williams. Honorary Pall Bearers: Stanley Griffin, Lloyd C. Griffin, Sr., Steven J. Griffin, Ned Griffin III, Marvin D. Griffin, Ameil C. Griffin, Minister Clarence N. Griffin. Arrangements Entrusted To Cage Memorial Chapels, 7651 South Jeffery Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60649.