On Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Hospice Palliative Care in Salisbury, N.C., Emogene Myers Griffin, affectionately known as Emma, age 79, exchanged this earthly life for her eternal life. Emma was born January 11, 1945, in Rowan County, N.C. She was the daughter of the late Hill Williams Myers and the late Savannah Lattner Myers Neely, and stepdaughter of the late William Odell Neely.
At an early age, Emma showed a commitment and passion for her family that became one of the characteristics she would be known for throughout her life. During her childhood years, Emma moved walking distance away from her mother’s home to live with her Uncle Kelly Payne and Aunt Tommie Payne. This move was prompted by the need to assist and care for her aunt, who was facing a serious illness.
In 1963, Emma graduated from Davie County Training School in Mocksville, N.C. With her lively energy and infectious smile, she swiftly entered the workforce. Initially working briefly at The Belk Factory as an assembler and at Central Carolina Bank as a bank teller before finding a career that resonated with her life’s mission. Driven by her passion for children and a sense of duty to her community, Emma embarked on a 43-year journey as lead teacher at I-Care Inc. in Iredell County. Emma’s genuine love for children was evident, and even in her retirement, she dedicated days to volunteering at her daughter’s childcare center, Fords’ Childcare. There she continued to contribute to children’s growth, learning, and sense of significance.
She married her husband of 37 years, Earnest Griffin, on August 31, 1988. The couple lived in Stony Point, creating a joyful home that became the backdrop for delightful family gatherings. It was in this warm setting that their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren forged strong bonds and cherished lasting memories.
Emma was a member of Clarks Chapel Baptist Church in Statesville, N.C., where she served on many ministries. As a faithful church member, Emma served on sunny days, rainy days, and snowy days; she served when it was easy and when it was not so easy; she served both in times of well-being and during moments of discomfort. She was a member of the Missionary Circle, Usher Board, Culinary Arts, and Senior Choir. She generously contributed her skills to beautify the bulletin boards.
Emma also believed in sharing God’s love outside the church walls. She was a member of the Mitchell Community Choir where she enjoyed spreading love through song. Emma was an active member of the Keynett Women’s Club for 40 years.
Emma was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Nicole Carter, brother George Henry Neely; and sisters Annie Ruth Neely, Marha Louise Myers Ford, and Christine Neely.
Those left to cherish her memories include her loving and devoted husband, Earnest Griffin of the home; children, Dwayne Parks (Nora) of Mocksville, N.C., Darell Parks (Sue) of Cooleemee, N.C.; Derrick Parks (Tamika) of Mocksville, N.C.; Sherl Parks (Dante) of Atlanta, Ga., Sheri Parks-Ford (Marshall) of Mocksville, N.C., Beverly G Stewart (Donnie) of Mooresville, N.C., Felicia Dianne Holmes of Winson-Salem, N.C., and Jeffrey Griffin (Christine) of Statesville, N.C. ; sisters, Frances Bright (Nicholas), D. Eloise Frost (Bruce) of Greensboro, N.C., Tommie Funches of Winston-Salem, N.C., Genesta Everhart of Mocksville, N.C., Diann Neely of Salisbury, N.C., Faye Brown of Mocksville, N.C., and Mary Hogue of Cleveland, N.C. Also left to cherish her memory are 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She also had a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
Emma loved Werther’s Original Candy and enjoyed cooking; she made the best banana pudding and deviled eggs. She loved spending time with her loved ones, singing, traveling, shopping, and writing poetry.
We thank God for blessing us with a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. We know she is singing in the heavenly choir.
Visit the Book of Memories for Mrs. Griffin at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Griffin family.