Carolyn Griffin

Carolyn Y. Griffin PORTSMOUTH - Carolyn Yvonne Griffin, 58, departed her life Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, after a lengthy illness at Sentara Nursing Center, Portsmouth. Carolyn was the fifth of 11 children born to William Edward Sr. (deceased) and Villard Christine Forbes Griffin on Sept. 30, 1950. She received her early education in Portsmouth Public Schools, graduated from I.C. Norcom High School and attended the Norfolk Division of Virginia State (Norfolk State University). At an early age, Carolyn became a faithful member of Saint John Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school. She loved crochet and needle point. Carolyn worked briefly at Norfolk Naval Shipyard during the summer months while at Virginia State. She was a substitute teacher at S.H. Clark Junior High School. Carolyn is survived by her mother, Villard Christine Forbes Griffin and 10 siblings: Margaret Griffin Merritt (William) of Columbia, Md., Christine Griffin Hall (Robert), Constance Griffin Davis, all of Portsmouth, Susie Griffin Davis, Frances Griffin Gossom (Danny), all of Chesapeake, Velma Griffin of Landover, Md., William Edward Griffin Jr., Carl Griffin (Joy), all of Portsmouth, Dwight Griffin (Sheila) of Killeen, Texas, Deborah Griffin Davis of Bowie, Md.; a special sister-in-law, Wanda Gail Griffin; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The wake will be held Friday, Sept. 25, in Corprew Funeral Home, 1822 Portsmouth Blvd., from 6 to 8 p.m. The homegoing service will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. in St. John Baptist Church, 2200 Effingham St., Portsmouth. Interment will be in Lincoln Cemetery.