Donna Jean Griffin

MAYSVILLE – Donna Jean Griffin, 66, died Saturday, July 11, 2009, at her residence.

Born in Cook County, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Bill and Ruth Schwarts Cox, and was retired from the Banks County Department of Family and Children Services. Mrs. Griffin was preceded in death by her husband, Barney Griffin; a son, Calvin Griffin; and grandsons, Riley and Tyler Griffin.

She was a foster parent and over the years she had 28 foster children. She was a missionary child and grew up in Africa. She and her husband pastored several churches and her main purpose in life was to serve the Lord.

Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Christy Griffin, Maysville, Jeremy Griffin, New Mexico; daughters, Cindy Bartow, Angela Mason, Becky Plemmons and Teresa Yale, all of Asheville, N.C., and Elizabeth Wilson, Commerce; brother, Bill Cox Jr., Des Moines, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 13, at Grove Level Baptist Church Chantry with the Revs. Jeff Appling and John Wood officiating. Burial was in Sunrise Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grove Level Baptist Church, 1702 Grove Level Rd., Maysville, GA 30558.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.