Marie D. Griffin

Marie D. Griffin, age 85 of Helen, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Griffin was born July 9, 1926 in Lewdy, FL to the late James and Ethel Parrish Dixon. She was the founder of Soldiers for Christ Ministry where she produced Christmas Cantatas and Easter Plays for the City of Helen for many years called the Life Giver. She was preceded in death by her son, Bob Dicks, grandchildren Joey Dicks and LeAnna Caudell. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, James Billy Griffin, Helen; daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Gene Penland, Hiawassee; Lois and Rick Johnson, South Carolina; Bridget and Curtis Revell, Hiawassee; grandchildren Tres Dicks, Toni Henson, Cheryl Cashin, Michelle Boggs, Brian Penland, Paige Marshall, Christy Fain, C.J. Gaffney, Brittany Bryant, Kalie Wood, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Saturday, June 16, 2012 from the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. The Rev. Rob Sowel and Rev. Trish Sowel will officiate. Interment will follow in Yonah View Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at barrettfh.com Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.