Obituary of Katherine Malone Griffin

Obituary of Katherine Griffin GRIFFIN, Katherine Malone was born on August 23, 1917 in Emory, Rains County, Texas, and passed away at 97 years old in Dallas, Texas with her loving daughter Mary Griffin at her side. Katherine was the 11th child of Rev. Bob and Sarah Guidon Malone. In 1938, she married Frank Griffin of Athens, Texas; their union lasted 51 years until Frank's death in 1989. Katherine resided in Athens until 2006, when she moved to Dallas to live with her daughter. She attended and completed her education in the Rains County Public Schools for Coloreds. After her early employment doing domestic work for the late Mr. and Mrs. James Spurlock, Katherine spent many years as the head meat cook at the then Henderson County Jr. College. Always ready to give you a smile and a kind word, Katherine was an advocate and faithful church member of Allen Chapel Church. An all-around “do-gooder,” she taught Sunday school to kindergartners for more than 40 years; sang in the senior choir; was a citywide usher and church stewardess. For more than 20 years while living in Athens, Katherine was an avid walker, logging one mile, five days a week. Katherine is preceded in death by husband Frank Griffin; sons Bobby and Richard Griffin; all 10 siblings; and niece Sunshine Brooks. She is survived by her daughter Mary Frances Griffin; granddaughters Kimba S. Penn and Desiree Henry; grandsons Ron Griffin, Graylyn Griffin, Richard Griffin and Horace Wesley; beloved great granddaughter Anna S. Penn; and a host of other great nieces, nephews and friends.