![]() ![]() Upon her passing, she was residing with family in Riverview. For many years, she continued to support the church. Reverend Griffin died on May 11, 1993, but Sister Griffin continued to serve the church faithfully until leaving Naples in 2007. Over the years, the pastor’s wife served in various capacities – singing in the choir, playing the piano, teaching Sunday School and working with the youth. It was Sister Griffin who was the “unofficial architect’’ of Unity Faith Missionary Baptist Church, drawing the design for the current edifice located at in Golden Gate Estates. Their goal was to minister to the young families who were moving into the Naples area. Her hobbies enjoyed sewing, singing and playing the piano.Īfter many years in the ministry as a deacon and deaconess at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Naples, she and Reverend Griffin were led to start a church in Golden Gate. She also was responsible for starting a youth choir there.īeyond her church work, Sister Griffin spent many years working as a seamstress, domestic worker and as a home care aide. Furthermore, a love of music led Sister Griffin to sing in the church’s choir for many years and serve on various church boards. Their roles as deacon and deaconess continued for many years at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Naples. In search of a more prosperous life for their children, the Griffins moved to Naples in 1965. While in their early 20s, they took on the roles of deacon and deaconess at New Bethel Baptist Church in Dothan. The young couple started their life of ministry together very early. ![]() Their union produced three children – Naomi Jenise, Cynthia Renae and Michael Harold. Through her brother-in-law Irvin (Earl), she met her beloved husband of 41 years, M.H. Growing up, she attended Rosenwald School in Newville and later received her high school diploma in Dothan, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents, her oldest brother, Willie Lee Thomas and her younger brother, James Thomas. Sister Griffin’s life journey began on Jin Newville, Alabama, the second daughter of Neal and Naomi Thomas. The beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend went home to be with the Lord early Sunday morning, July 12, at her home in Riverview, Florida. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Josephine Thomas Griffin, the founding First Lady of Unity Faith Missionary Baptist Church, will always be remembered for her beauty, grace, elegance and intelligence. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, my cup runneth over. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff do comfort me. He restoreth my soul and he leads me in the path of righteousness for his name sake. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. ![]() "The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want. Farmer favorite scripture was Psalms 23: 1-6 devoted sisters Mary (Noah) Smith and Mayrene (Homer) Granger Jacqueline Baxter, Willie Farmer and Bridgette Wymes great grandchildren, Kendall, Taylor, Jalen, Mykala, Mykil, Kamareon and Maleiah. Miss Tommie was a caring and compassionate grandmother to Mr. She leaves to cherish her memories three children: Mrs. Rina (Mack) Johnson, two sisters, the late Rosie (the late William) Griggs and the late May Ollie (Willis) Huff two brothers, the late CJ (the late Bobbie) Graham and the late Roger (Ellen) Graham She was preceded in death by her parents one daughter Mrs. Walking the streets of glory embracing the family of God. She was often seen walking, smiling and waving to neighbors and cars that passed her way. Marshall and his loving wife Esther enriched her enjoyment with her church family. Miss Tommie was a faithful and dedicated member of First Missionary Baptist Church.
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