Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Athena GRIFFIN Obituary
Athena M.
Athena M. Griffin (nee Hart), beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed on October 10, 2022, at the age of 60.
We celebrate Athena's life and impact on her community by being examples of her love for others. Visitation and services will be held Saturday, 10/29, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, OH 45424. Visitation will be 10-11 am, with Services starting at 11. Please contact the family for Wake and Repast details.
Athena was born on May 19, 1962, in Dayton, OH. She earned an undergraduate degree in Communications and Theatre from Central State University and her master's degree in Social Work from Wright State and Miami Universities' MSW Program.
As a licensed Social Worker and Therapist with Access Counseling Services and Montgomery County Children Services, Athena lived with a deep desire to empower her community through civic and social engagement. Athena was an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, the City of Dayton Mediation Center, Sinclair Community College Black Women's Think Tank, National Association of Social Workers, National Associations of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and Youth Harambee committees. She was an advocate for several other important causes, including, but not limited to, arts and culture, helping children and others in need, civil rights, and economic empowerment. Athena could light up any room she walked into while empowering others to shine. She enjoyed karaoke, volunteering, socializing, and spreading warmth, understanding, and kindness to everyone. She was a true Daytonian.
Athena is survived by a loving husband, Le Roy Griffin; three children Tiffany M. Brown of Dayton, Ronald Hart-Brown of Chicago, IL, and Ritzy Griffin of Augusta, GA; five grandchildren, Aiyana Brown, Melody, Miles, and Mia Hart-Brown and Jeremiah Williams; four siblings Gilda D. Wynn of Dayton, Jacquela Garrison of Las Cruces NM, David B. Hart of Charlotte NC, and Stephan L. Marable of Dayton; two nieces; one nephew; and five great-nephews; along with an aunt and many cousins and close friends. Athena was preceded in death by both parents, Bert W. Hart and Gladys M. Hart; sister Phyllis Hart; and nephew, Craig S. Hart, Sr.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Athena GRIFFIN
Sponsored by Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, & Receptions - North Dayton Chapel.
DAVID HART
May 19, 2025
Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Sister Athena Griffin. I miss her dearly and think of her daily.
David Hart
October 7, 2024
I think of my sister daily. She is greatly missed.
DAVID HART
October 10, 2023
I cannot believe it has already been a year to the day that we lost Athena. I miss her and think of my sister daily. I wish she was still here. May she continue to rest in peace.
Dan Meyer
November 13, 2022
I was one of Athena's clients for the past three years. So shocked and saddened to hear of her passing.
As has been said before her smile would light up a room, and just so full of positivity. I am just one of multitudes of people whose life she impacted for the better.
My deepest condolences.
David Hart
November 3, 2022
You know what, I'm good. I'm saddened, but I am just glad she was happy.
That helps me. She and I spoke on Saturday and knowing that she knew I loved her and she loved me. And she loved her kids and her husband with ALL the love she had to give.
And that's all I could ever hope for. What else could we hope for anyone, ourselves included? Just maybe she completed her tasks in life with us and it was simply her time.
That is my resolution. I have to find peace with that. We all do.
David Hart
November 3, 2022
David Hart
November 3, 2022
David Hart
November 3, 2022
David Hart
November 3, 2022
You know what, I'm good. I'm saddened, but I am just glad she was happy.
That helps me. She and I spoke on Saturday and knowing that she knew I loved her and she loved me. And she loved her kids and her husband with ALL the she had to give.
And that's all I could ever hope for. What else could we hope for? Just maybe she completed her tasks in life with us and it was simply her time.
That is my resolution. I have to find peace with that. We all do. May Athena rest in peace.
Alison
November 2, 2022
Athena was a warm, caring, and good person. She will be greatly missed. So shocked and sorry at her passing. Glad I knew her.
Jacquela
November 1, 2022
My sis, Athena, was so patient, loved family and friends, dedicated to both and her desires to help in areas where she saw a need. She was preparing to accomplish more goals to fulfill her dreams. She did get a lot accomplished. The most wonderful one was finding happiness with someone She loved and loved her that made her a partner in her life. I say we'll done in choosing love. Love last forever when it's real and true. I will miss our communication, laughter, your birthday song, thoughtfulness, and your love.
Michelle Y Matthews
October 29, 2022
Athena and I went to Wilbur Wright and were in several plays together. We would run into each other occasionally and we would talk like we just saw each other. The last few times that I saw her, she seemed so happy. She loved her children and grandchildren. She also, seemed very happy with her husband, LeRoy. I'm glad that you brought her joy. Rest in Peace, my friend!
Tara Addison
October 28, 2022
Athena's smile would light up a room. I have fond memories being around you and your family. My sincere condolences to all that you have touched. We will miss you.
Kristina
October 24, 2022
I had the pleasure of working with Athena. She was always positive and worked hard for her community. Her heart was to make this world a better place. We have lost such an amazing person. My condolences to her family.
Sandra Lowe
October 24, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I know that God is going to give you comfort during this time and I pray your strength in the lord .
Tiffany
October 23, 2022
I miss you Mommy. My heart is broken but your love and memory help me to keep moving forward. I'll always love you.
DBHart
October 23, 2022
One thing I remember when I think about my sister Athena was that she was such a giving and generous person. She was kind to a lot of people. That's just one of the things I admired about her.
Tango Robinson
October 21, 2022
My memories of Athena bring me so much joy..NO MATTER WHAT Athena always had my best interest..ALWAYS! That smile that laugh that voice..her loving nature will be GREATLY MISSED...YOUVE EARNED YOUR WINGS QUEEN..FLY HIGH..I LOVE YOU ALWAYS GIIIIIRL FGFCFS RT#41
Gloria Theressa Smith
October 18, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Geri Ingram - Ellington
October 17, 2022
Athena was a wonderful and beautiful spirit, she will be missed. We worked together at Montgomery County Children Services for many years.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Athena GRIFFIN's name
Memorial Events
for Athena GRIFFIN
Oct
29
Funeral services provided by:
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, & Receptions - North Dayton Chapel4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, OH 45424
How to support Athena's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Athena GRIFFIN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
