Doris (Brand) Griffin

Doris Brand Griffin, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep January 25,2021.  She lived a long and happy life filled with love.

Doris was born in Roanoke, Alabama on October 7, 1924 to Walter and Sally Mitchum Brand.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carver Debs Griffin, their son, Philip Debs Griffin and two sisters, Macie Brand Hester and Sara Brand Whaley.

It was in Roanoke that she met Carver and they married in August of 1940.   When Carver went into the Navy during WWII, Doris went to work at Handley Mill in the canvas department.   After Carver’s discharge Doris gladly “retired” from the mill and they moved to Columbus, Georgia.

Doris retired from the Food Services Division of the Muscogee County School District in 1994.  She was a faithful member of Edgewood Baptist Church and was the oldest living female member of the church at the time of her death. She received great counsel from and was so appreciative of Rev. and Mrs. David Howle who called upon her at home often.

Doris, or, Gaga as she was known by her grandchildren, was such fun to visit, having an open heart and a great interest in hearing all the family news! She loved flowers, and once, after receiving a vase of poppies grown by one of her grandchildren, she commented how they had both brought her peace and entertained her, popping open and blooming for days to follow. Listening was one of her greatest skills, even into her 90’s she would recall stories from previous visits, always asking for an update! Her listening skills were almost as amazing as her homemade fudge. She shared her recipe and even held a cooking class, making it look so easy. Sadly, it was not easy, and there may never be another batch of fudge quite like hers.

Her incredible faith allowed her to always be kind, content, looking on the bright side, and she never complained, accepting life as a gift, no matter the circumstances. The family takes great solace in knowing she knew she was well-loved.

She is survived by her son, Gary Lon Griffin (Betty), her daughter, Carol Griffin McManus (Phillip, deceased), three grandchildren, Betsey Griffin Herrington (Paul), Lynn Griffin White (Wade) and Christy Griffin Barnes (Will).  She has seven great-grandchildren, Griffin Ennis, Clark Ennis, Bo Ennis, Wade White, Jr, Mary-Martin White, Gary Barnes and Henry Barnes.  She has two great-great grandchildren, Dallas Coleman and Tatum Ennis. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a very special friend and next-door neighbor, Bobbie Carter.

Doris’s health declined in the last two years and she and her family are so deeply grateful for Georgia Grant, Aretha Edmonds, Mable Smith and Mattie Jones whose loving care made life so much easier and pleasanter, caring for her in her home of 56 years until her passing.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Doris’s memory to Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909 or Edgewood Baptist Church, 3564 Forrest Road, Columbus, GA 31907.

Due to the conditions of the corona virus a private burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery and a memorial service will be held at a later time when family will be able to gather safely according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Georgia 31907 www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com