Jearline Odebelle Griffin, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, VA.
She was born on April 10, 1933, in Norfolk, VA to the late Henry Early and Ailene (Sawyer) Brooks.
Jearline grew up in the Huntersville area of Norfolk, Virginia and attended Norfolk Public Schools. She loved her mother, her father and her sisters and brothers. She had a special bond with her sister Dorothy who we call “Aunt Dot”. Throughout the years, they spoke almost every day. Jearline, “Mom” as we called her, loved the Lord with all her heart, and said her greatest pride and joy was her children, her family. She was proud to have been sent a husband, who was her best friend, and they were in a loving marriage for 72 years. Mom never referred to Dad by his first name when speaking to him; it was always “hun” or “honey”. Their love is an example of what we all should strive to have in our lives here on earth. She was his Queen!
Jearline is predeceased by her parents, her brother William L Brooks, her sister, Joyce Brooks Askew and her first-born child, Jeremiah J. Griffin, Jr. (Melvia), who helped Mom raise his six siblings and helped set life-long standards for the siblings to follow.
Jearline leaves to celebrate her life and honor her legacy, her loving husband Rev. Dr. Jeremiah J. Griffin, Sr.; six children: Gerald Griffin (Bonita), Priscilla Griffin, Dr. Larry Griffin, DMA (Jeanne), Virgil Griffin (Marisol), Darrall Griffin, and Sandra Griffin; five grandchildren: Arif Griffin, Jennifer Griffin, Dr. Dauda Griffin, MD, Dr. Austin Griffin, MD, a special grandchild, Jerry B. Griffin, who Mom and Dad raised, Carmen Griffin Benitez, Carlos Griffin Benitez, Nicholas Griffin Benitez, Pedro Garcia; two great grand children: Olivia Burge and Noah Burge, her sister Dorothy Odom; brothers Nathaniel Brooks (Gladys) and Alton Brooks (Beulah), and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Jearline Griffin will be remembered for being an avid Master Quilter, a brilliant, God-fearing woman with an amazing memory, who valued education and ensured all her children knew the Lord and pursued higher education and attended college. She was a stellar fighter who never raised her voice, and never complained. Mom was dearly loved by GOD, her husband, and her family. She will always be with us in spirit, for her memory lives on in our hearts. Her favorite song was “Before the Next Tear Drop Falls” by Kenny Rogers.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Stonewall Memory Gardens.
Condolences may be sent to: www.oldetownefh.com
“Be Peaceful” – Famous words of Jeremiah J. Griffin, Jr.
“The Griffin Family”
3 Responses
Our Aunt Jearline was truly a gift from God and will be missed so much. I am truly thankful for all she did for me and impact she made on my life. May God comfort and encourage her family.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We know how hard this is for you and your family. She was a remarkable woman, wife and mother. Darryl, please know that we are here for you. God bless you and your family.
Mrs. Griffin will be missed. She lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her sweet spirit transcend to her husband, children, and family and friends and give them peace and comfort. Job well done! Now rest.