Constance Mae Griffin

Constance Mae Griffin died Christmas night, 2007, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. she was born in Marshaville, GA, Nov. 9, 1910, to the late Willie Mae Chandler and Alva Robert Chandler. Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at Christ King Church in Hiawassee, the Rev. Don O' Malley officiating. Burial was at the church of the Good Shepherd in Hayesville, Nc, where she was buried in the memorial garden beside her late daughter, Judy Pedersen, formerly of Young Harris. Presiding were the Rev. John Riee and the Rev. Don O'Malley. Afterwards a reception was held at Christ the King Church. Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Isbell of Durham, Nc, grandchildren, Dina Hester of Durham, Brett Henry of Queidersdack, Germany, Robin Pedersen of Columbus, GA; great grandchildren Blake and Daniel Henry of San Antonio, Tx; sisters, Emmie ("sister") Chandler of Young Harris, Alice Chandler Webb of Merritt IS., FL; niece Susan C Murray of Cocoa Bead. FL, nephew, Thomas S Bone of Mernitt IS; and cousin Robin McLeroy of Forsyth, GA. Connie grew up in Macon, Ga and married the late Walter D. Griffin. They lived for 30 years in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Then Connie returned to Macon to live with "Sister" and care for their ailing mother. Eight years ago, they moved to Young Harris to be near Connie's daughter who died three years later. Connie was a faithful and an active member of Christ the King Church. She was a charming, energetic, and fun-loving southern lady who loved entertaining friends and family. She always had fresh flowers both inside and outside the home, and made seasonal table runners with matching napkins, which were used for every meal. Despite poor vision and hearing, she played bridge with her beloved "Bridge Babies" for eighty years, even the week before her death. Reminiscent of "Driving miss Daisy", Connie always sat in the back seat of the car while "Sister" drove her stick-shift all around the mountain roads. She was a catalyst that kept the family and many close friends together, always relishing life to its fullest, and planning or going to picnics, dinner parties, football parties, and parade. After "Sister" (91) became ill, Connie in true " Steal Magnolia" fashion, courageously and faithfully attended to her, keeping the house, pets, and gardens, and still entertaining. Her death is a tremendous loss to her family and friends, but they are comforted, knowing she is in a better place. The family suggests that any memorials be made in Connie's name to Christ the King Church, P.O. Box 285, Hiawassee, GA 30546.