May the work I’ve done speak for Me…

Annie “Ms G” Laura Griffin, 63, passed away Saturday, May 21, 2011 in MedCentral Mansfield Hospital after a brief illness.

Ms. Griffin was born November 5, 1947 in Picayune.

Annie was a 1966 graduate of Carver High School in Picayune, received her Bachelor Degree in Health and Physical Education from Mississippi Valley State in 1971 where she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and received her Masters Degree in counseling from the University of Dayton in 1993.

Annie moved to Mansfield and began teaching at John Sherman Elementary School. She retired from the Mansfield City School system in 2008 after 35 years of service. She was involved in professional and community organizations, as a member of the Mansfield School Employee Association, Ohio Education Association, Central City Economic Development Council, Inc., Kinship Program (for children), MBIE Yes We Can Seniors, active with the Cancer Society, and the Providence Baptist Church. She was also an avid bowler with the Castouts League and enjoyed traveling to bowling tournaments.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Chester and Mattie Griffin and Helen Griffin; sister, Shirley Griffin; and brothers, Richard Griffin and E.C. Griffin.

Annie is survived by: her loving daughter, Terra S. Griffin of Gulfport, Miss.; Goddaughter whom she loved and cared for as her own, Regina (Velmon) Franklin III of Mansfield, Ohio; grandchildren, Ka’Nihia Davis of Gulfport, Velmon Franklin IV, Khadeeja and Armahd Franklin of Mansfield; sisters, Bettie (Talbert) Jones of Mansfield and Rosalee Nicholson of Picayune; brothers, Larry Griffin and James (Carol) Avery, Sr. of Picayune; nieces and nephews, Kyle (Stephanie) Jones, Chester, Virginia, Krystal D. Avery of Hattiesburg, Reshonda Griffin and James Paul (Erika) Avery, Jr. of Picayune.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1 p.m. in Greater Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Alex Wesco will officiate at the services. Interment will be in the Picayune Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Memorial services were held Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 2 p.m. in the Providence Baptist Church in Mansfield under the direction of William Funeral Services.

Brown Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.