Verna Griffin

Verna Altie Griffin 8/29/1935 - 3/24/2020 Verna Altie Dean-Griffin passed away on Tuesday March 24th, 2020 in Durant Oklahoma. Born on August 29th, 1935 in Parkin Arkansas to Ernest and Elsie Mae Bell-Dean and was the 5th child of 14 Brothers and Sisters. She met the love of her life Harold Lloyd Griffin Sr. in Parkin Arkansas 1952 at a church function. Dad courted Mom writing love letters with the help of his Brother in law Ernest Yarbrough for 2 years and those two love birds married April 24th 1954 in Hernando, Mississippi. Verna and Harold worked side by side and had a very successful Painting Company “Griffin Painting” for 43 years. They celebrated 59 years of marriage prior to Dad passing away on September 12, 2012. They traveled all over and met many lifelong friends along the way. They loved to spend their days out on the lake and loved to dance. Verna is survived by her 4 children, Renita Kay Neff (Husband Burke) of Fillmore, California, Harold Lloyd Griffin Jr. of Mead, Oklahoma, Rodger Dale Griffin of Mead, Oklahoma and Cindy Gay Stines (Husband Ernie) of Fillmore, California. They had 9 Grand Children, 24 Great Grand Children and 11 Great-Great Grand Children. She was proceeded in death by her Parents Ernest and Elsie Dean, Daughter Dianne Lynn Casey, Son Keith Dewayne Griffin, Sisters Clara Garlock, Ruby Dean, Evelyn Uhles, Lorane Wilson, Margrett Dean, Brothers Elmer Dean, Albert Dean, and James Dean. Verna is survived by Sisters Loretta Free (Husband Whit), Joyce Queen (Husband Tommy), Brothers Ellis “Red” Dean (Wife Joane), Joe Dean (Wife Freda) and Harold Dean (Wife Lisa) and many family and friends all over the country. Verna loved life and loved her family and friends. Raised in Arkansas, she had a beautiful southern draw that was so easy to listen to and drew you closer to her. Her caring, loving and gentle ways was something so special and made her the woman everyone came to love. So many of us can account for the all the days where she could tell you a story of a fun adventure she had and have you laughing so hard until your cheeks and stomach hurt from the smiles and laughter. That woman loved to cook, and her kitchen was always open for anyone who entered her home. Her fridge was always full of food and she had a gallon of fresh cold sweet tea waiting for you. If the coffee wasn’t already on, a fresh pot was just minutes away. We love and miss you. We will continue to remember the love you shared with us of all the good times. Until we are together again. I’m free Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work and play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared a laugh a kiss Ah yes, these things I too will mis. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seems all too brief; Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free…

Verna Griffin

August 29, 1935 - March 24, 2020