Carolyn Griffin

Carolyn Fay Patterson Griffin She went home to be with her Lord on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, at her home in Middle Valley near Hixson.She was born on March 26, 1932, in Ringgold, Ga., to Carl Harley Patterson and Mary Carolyn Silvey Patterson. Carolyn graduated from Ringgold High School in 1949, worked briefly at Davenport Hosiery Mill in Chattanooga and DuPont Nylon Plant in Hixson, and married Benjamin Franklin Griffin on Feb. 14, 1951. With her marriage and the birth of her children (David in 1952, Elaine in 1954, and Brian in 1957) she embarked on a very successful career as a wife, mother, and homemaker. With grace and strength she managed the challenges of a husband's dual careers with ever-changing swing shifts, children's school schedules, teaching kindergarten, involvement in church activities, and serving the needy in the community. For over 61 years Carolyn faithfully supported Ben in all his endeavors including his DuPont career, home-building, volunteer mission work, camping, boating, and trips to stock car races. Though she was on hospice with declining health, she rallied to care for him when he was placed on hospice earlier this year. She was at his side when he died on Oct. 4, 2012.As a mother she created a safe and secure home where her children were loved, taught, nurtured, clothed and fed. She encouraged them in their educational pursuits, taught them about Jesus by word and example, welcomed their friends as members of the family, and adopted their spouses as her own children.The delight of her life was her five grandchildren, their spouses and a step-grandchild. She found great joy in doing whatever they wanted to do: reading a book; playing a game; going to the park, the lake, or camping; cooking and eating special treats; giving gifts; and celebrating birthdays.Because her heart was attuned to children, she served many years as a kindergarten teacher at Middle Valley Baptist Church and John H. Allen Elementary in Soddy-Daisy. Her deep empathy moved her to care for the sick, hurting, poor, elderly, and physically and mentally handicapped. She was a faithful member of two churches during her lifetime, Keith Baptist near Ringgold, and Middle Valley Baptist. In the latter she served for over 50 years as a nursery worker, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, missions education leader, and servant of those in need. She blessed family, friends, and the community with her generous hospitality, compassionate heart, sweet spirit, out-going personality, warm sense of humor, and ability to laugh at herself. "A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30).She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.She is survived by three children: son, Dr. David (Ellen) Griffin, of Georgetown, Texas; daughter, Dr. Elaine (Randy) Amberson, of Soddy-Daisy; and son, Brian (Dr. Amy) Griffin, of Knoxville. She is survived by five grandchildren, Dr. Joshua (Elizabeth) Griffin, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Jonathan (Ashley) Griffin, of Sanderson, Texas, Mary Ana Galindez, of Soddy-Daisy, Ezra (Dr. Rose) Griffin, Esq., of St. Louis, Mo., and Miriam Griffin, of Knoxville. She is also survived by: a stepgrandson, Jeremy Amberson, of Missoula, Mont.; a brother, Joel (Charlotte) Patterson, of Cleveland, Tenn.; a sister Martha (Elmer) Ridley, of Cartersville, Ga.; a sister, Hanna (Sam) Griffin of Hixson; and a large extended family. The family would like to express appreciation for the wonderful care provided by Hospice of Chattanooga and by the pastor and members of Middle Valley Baptist Church, especially the Wednesday night ladies Bible study that met at her home until her death.Visitation will be in the chapel of Middle Valley Baptist Church from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012.The funeral will be in the same chapel at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, with Dr. David Griffin and Rev. Gary Scott officiating.Entombment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson.Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.