Mrs. Jewel Dickens Griffin, 90, of Raleigh, NC, died at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 16, 2022.
Jewel was born on September 24, 1931, in Franklin County, NC, in the small community of White Level. She moved to Raleigh after graduating from Edward Best High School to attend Peace College, where she graduated in 1951. She met her husband, Jerry Griffin, and they were married in 1954. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in November 2004, prior to Jerry's passing in 2005. Jerry and Jewel resided in Raleigh all their lives, apart from 6 years when they lived in Wilmington, NC.
Upon graduation from Peace College, Jewel went to work at Durham Life Insurance Company and later, the Wake County Public School System, before retiring in 1997. She took great pride in her work and always enjoyed getting to know her coworkers, where she developed many special friendships. Jewel was also a proud member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where she was a loyal servant for over five decades.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry Rudolph Griffin; parents Norman and Mary Foote Dickens; brother Vincent Dickens; and beloved uncle, Linwood Sturdivant.
Jewel is survived by son David Griffin and wife Sophia of Cary; daughter Dawn Coleman and husband Ryan of Charlotte; and grandchildren Lauren Griffin of Raleigh, Logan Griffin of Wilmington, and Griffin Coleman of Charlotte. In addition, she is survived by her brother-in-law Kim Griffin and wife Jean Griffin of Castalia; sisters-in-law Ann Griffin and Ramona Griffin of Greensboro; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jewel loved being with family. She treasured her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and her husband's family, which she thought of as her own. From beach trips to weekend get-togethers, she was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. She enjoyed traveling and loved to visit new places like Alaska, the Grand Canyon, the Amish country, and others. As much as Jewel loved seeing new places, she especially loved returning to her childhood home in Franklin County, where she always enjoyed reminiscing and telling stories about the good ole days.
Jewel was happiest when she was helping care for family or friends in need. She was a good listener, fantastic cook, and her casseroles and chocolate cake were special family favorites. She will be dearly missed in so many ways.
The family is deeply grateful for the host of loyal and supportive caregivers who truly loved her like family: Janet, Annette, Angela, Heather, Tina, and Chrissy, along with her team of hospice caregivers.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home Chapel, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609. A visitation and reception with the family will immediately follow the service. A graveside service will be held at noon on Monday, April 25, at Raleigh Memorial Park.
Donations in Jewel's memory may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2100 Noble Rd. in Raleigh, NC 27608; or to Transitions LifeCare, Philanthropy Dept., 250 Hospice Cir., Raleigh, NC 27607, or transitionslifecare.org/donate.
Condolences may be sent to www.BrownWynneEastMillbrook.com
Paid obituary |
