Born on May 5, 1937, in Benton Harbor, MI, Queen was the oldest of four sisters and eight brothers born to Jesse James Sr. and Bertha Mae (Johnson) Griffin.
She grew up in a once-popular, rural area affectionately known as Townline Road. She attended elementary and junior high school in Sodus Township graduated from Benton Harbor High School and attended Andrews University. She began her journey to live her eternal life at age eleven when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She was baptized at New Bethel MBC and served under the leadership of the late Reverends M.H. Raspberry and Milton P. McAfee. At New Bethel, she served as a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Angelic Choir, church clerk, and secretary. She later became a member of Ebenezer MBC under the leadership of Walter L. Brown and later Brian A. Clayborn: there she served as a member of the Sanctuary Choir, Golden Years, Missionary Board, and the Mother’s Board.
After dating Albert Jenkins Jr. for more than 20 years, they united in holy matrimony on December 30, 1985, and remained happily married until his passing on October 26, 2018. Her childhood and early adult years of employment (picking fruit, assembly line worker, and waitressing) convinced her that she had to find employment in an air-conditioned office environment. Her desire came to fruition and after 25 years of working as a social worker at the Michigan Department of Human Services, formerly named the Family Independence Agency (FIA) and Department of Social Services (DSS), she retired on May 30, 1997. Working for the state was sometimes stressful, but oftentimes very rewarding, especially when former clients would see her and convey their gratitude to her for her kindness and inspiration. They would let her know how her encouragement led them to change their course in life and how well things were going for them.
She loved meeting and interacting with people. Her enormously kind and tender heart was a testament of her gracious, loving spirit. No matter what a circumstance may have been if it was in her power to edify or assist anyone in any way possible, she would. She believed in a simple ministry of greeting a person with a sincere salutation and a genuine smile to disperse powerful, positive energy that would uplift the spirit.
Some of her social interests after retirement were: Social gatherings with other retirees; Women in God’s Presence; Strong Women of Faith; lay ministry; volunteer for Lakeland Regional Health Systems; The Red Hat Society and Curves. Through these and other associations, many lasting friendships were created. She was a fashionista who loved colorful prints, but red was her favorite. A typical Sunday church outfit was accessorized with a statement hat, jewelry, Shalimar perfume, and Revlon 725 “Love that Red” lipstick, always red lipstick and fingernail polish!
One of her favorite bible passages was Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
She was diagnosed with dementia in May of 2015 and pancreatic cancer in August of 2018. At all times while going through these experiences and other ailments, her demeanor remained positive and her faith never wavered from her deep belief that, “God takes care of His own.”
She leaves behind to cherish memories and celebrate her life her children: Kevin Griffin, Vanessa (Chick) Williams, Sheila Griffin, and Kim Griffin; daughter-in-love: Dufferian (Joe) Johnson; son-in-love: Albert Jenkins III; two sisters: Bertha Wilburn and Paullette (Tod) Osborne; four brothers: James, George, Samuel, Joseph (Hazel) and Hiram Griffin; grandchildren: Karletta Griffin, Christopher Davis, Anedra (DJ) Forbes, Kevin Griffin, Jr., Kuanus Hardnett, Carlito Johnson, Kyra Griffin, Tamia Hardnett, and Terry Hardnett; great-grandchildren: Princess, Kevin & Karla Griffin; godchildren: Eric Williams, Jacqueline Booker and Elizabeth Doyle; a host of kindred relatives; and, longtime friends: Icie Guidry, Wilna Greene, Willa Mae Williams, Flossie Davis, Mary Richardson, Sheryl Thomas, Mosquictious Harper, Judy Williams and Dee Thomas, to name a few.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; two sisters: Hazel Whitfield and Ruby Eddie; three brothers: Thomas, Kenneth, and Charles Griffin; and, grandson Dane Ivan Griffin.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Posted On: Monday, February 28, 2022 4:23 PM
