SHIRLEY KAY GRIFFIN

Shirley Kay Griffin passed away on June 9, 2011, surrounded by family and friends who loved her dearly at the Valley Crest Residential Care Center in Apple Valley, California. Shirley was born on October 3, 1936 in Craig, Missouri to Paul and Florence Griffin. She moved to Victorville with her parents and her eight brothers and sisters in 1942. As reported by staff at the University of California at Irvine in 2007, Shirley is believed to be the oldest living female with Downs Syndrome, which is a testament to the unique and special individual that she was. It is believed by her family that it was the nurturing environment in which she was raised and lived until her death that helped her reach this milestone. Shirley was known by all who met her as a happy, loving woman with child-like attributes. She cherished her family, her friends, music and art. She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Victorville, singing in the choir and active in the Methodist Youth Foundation for most of her life. She enjoyed attending college at the Victor Valley Junior College and working for the J.O.B. Program and for Innovative Business Practices. She was awarded several ribbons for her paintings at the San Bernardino County Fair. Shirley is survived by two sisters, Virginia Laprise of Apple Valley; Dorothy Seals (husband Jack) of Jess Ranch; three brothers, Willis Griffin (spouse Dawna) of Apple Valley; Carl Griffin (spouse Jackie) also of Apple; and Gary Griffin (spouse Diane) of Springfield, Utah. She is also survived by many, many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Florence Griffin; sister Wilma Galey of Citrus Heights, California; Floris Ann McMahon and her husband Jack of San Bernardino; Lila Lee Gossard and her husband Gordon of Victorville. A viewing will be held at the Victor Valley Mortuary on Monday, June 13 2011 between the hours of 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and a celebration of life is scheduled for June 14, at Victor Valley Mortuary at 10:00 am. Interment immediately following at Desert View Cemetery in Victorville. The family and extended family wishes to thank the entire staff of Valley Crest for the wonderful, loving care Shirley received while in their care. The kindness extended to Shirley and to our entire family will never be forgotten. It is because of this exemplary care that we are asking, in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to the Valley Crest Employee Fund, 18524 Corwin Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307.