In Memory
Geraldine Marie Griffin
July 23, 1943 ~ February 15, 2025 (age 81)
Gerrie was born in Mound Bayou, Mississippi on July 23, 1943, to Obediah and Beatrice Griffin; she was primarily raised by her beloved grandmother, Calean Collins who raised her on the city’s south side. Calean instilled in Gerrie a strong identity and a good measure of self-confidence. Despite the challenges growing up in a poor environment, Gerrie learned to turn her negatives into positives. As a young child, she wore her grandmother’s shoes until her grandmother could afford to buy a new pair.
Gerrie dreamed of becoming a physician but could not afford the expense. After seeing an ad in a magazine for nursing training, she applied and was accepted into the program. In 1979 she graduated from the nursing program at Mississippi Delta Junior College in Moorhead. This career path led her to St. Joseph’s Medical Center where she worked for seven years before making the move to their outpatient clinic. There Gerrie discovered her passion in community service, stating “This was an ideal place … I could offer a lot of help here.”
Through her work at the clinic Gerrie saw how she could make a difference in the lives of underserved youths. In 1988 she created the Slice of Life program, for children ages 7-13. Since its inception the program has served over 2000 youths with the support of passionate volunteers and mentors from Christian Life Center South Bend and volunteer students from the University of Notre Dame.
Gerrie’s vision of the program has made a tremendous impact on many lives. Thirty-six years later, her community advocacy in her legacy program continues to provide vital community support. A Slice of Lifer once said, “The things she taught me as a young girl will go with me to my grave.”
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Gerrie was ready to see those who had gone before her, Calean Collins (grandmother), Obediah and Beatrice Griffin (parents), Leroy Lambert, Sr. (spouse), Obediah Griffin, Jr. (brother) Hampton Griffin (Mary), Martinez Lambert, (grandson). She leaves behind to cherish her memory, children, Leroy Lambert, Jr., (Mariam), Malcolm Purnell-Griffin, Joanna Patterson-Griffin, Candy Akins, Patricia “Pat” (Timmy) Boone, grandchildren: Martez Lambert, Jason Lambert (Raven), Kolin Lambert (Charli), Maurice Lacy, Alicia, Daea, Mia, TJ,Ayden, and Brayden Akins and Jayda Patterson-Griffin; 21 great-grandchildren, and a bountiful of loving cousins, extended family, and friends.
02/25/2025 djb
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