“Behold I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” Exodus 23:20

E.C. Griffin was born to Chester and Mattie Griffin in Picayune, Miss. on June 28, 1939. He departed this life at Highland Hospital on October 13, 2009.

He was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School, class of 1961. E.C. gave he life to the Lord at an early age at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend E.L. Fox. He later joined Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Alex Wesco, Jr. Pastor.

E.C. was united in holy matrimony to the late Mary Helen Griffin. To this union E.C. graciously gained five step children.

E.C. lived his life for his family who he loved very much. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend who shared his love and many talents without reservation. Upon his retirement of the Picayune School District, E.C.’s good deeds did not stop there, he continued to give back to his community in any way he could.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife; his brother, Richard Griffin; three sisters: Helen Griffin, Johnnie Mae Quinn, and Bertha Mae Edwards; and one nephew, Larry “Poncho” Griffin.

Survivors include: four sisters: Rosa Lee (George) Nicholson, Sherley Griffin of Picayune, Anne Griffin, Bettie (Talbert) Jones of Mansfield, Ohio; two brothers, James (Carol) Avery and Larry (Carolyn) Griffin both of Picayune; one step daughter, Cynthia Hawkins Rice of Mansfield, Ohio; four step sons: Richard, Oscar, Paul and Keith Hawkins all of Picayune; ten step-grandchildren; four special friends: Ms. Weader Mae Magee of Picayune, Adale and Emma Jones of Las Vegas, Nev., Evalynn Thompson of Nashville, Tenn.; and a host of many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at the Greater Emmanual Baptist Church 816 Davis Street, Picayune. Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with service at 1:00 p.m.

The Rev. Alex Wesco, Jr. will officiate.

Burial will be in the Picayune Cemetery.

Brown’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

View and sign register at www.picayuneitem/obit.com