Shirley Mae Griffin was born to Chester and Mattie Griffin in Picayune, Mississippi on December 4, 1940. She departed this life at Oschner Medical Center (Northshore Hospital) on November 3, 2010.

Shirley was a graduate of Mississippi School for the Deaf, class of 1962. She later went on to earn a certificate in cosmetology. At an early age, Shirley accepted the Lord as her savior and gave her life to the Lord at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend E.L. Fox. She was later very excited to become a member of Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Alex Wesco Jr.

Shirley lived her life for her family and friends whom she loved very much. Disabled at a young age, Shirley never let anything hold her back. She had many talents and skills and never hesitated to share those with her community. Shirley was a devoted sister, aunt, cousin, and friend and will be sadly missed by all.

Proceeded in death by: (parents) Chester and Mattie Griffin, (brothers) Richard and E.C.(Mary Helen) Griffin, (sisters) Helen Griffin, Johnnie Mae Quinn, and Bertha Mae Edwards, and (nephew) Larry “Poncho” Griffin Jr.

She leaves behind to honor her memory: three sisters Rosa Lee Nicholson of Picayune, MS; Anne Griffin; Bettie (Talbert) Jones of Mansfield, OH; two brothers James (Carol) Avery; Larry Griffin of Picayune, MS; nieces ReShonda Griffin, Terra Griffin and Krystal Avery; nephews Paul (Erica) Avery; Kyle (Stephanie) Jones; special great nieces and nephews Ka’Niyiha Davis, Jay and Jason Avery, K’Shawn Smith, and Kaiden Griffin. Special friends and a host of other family and friends.

A Homegoing Service will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Greater Emmauel Baptist Church, The Rev. Alex Wesco, pastor. The Rev. Stanley Carter officiating.