Marion Elizabeth Griffin Wilson

1933 - 2009

Born on March 15,1933, in Mullens, W.Va., Marion Elizabeth Griffin Wilson, died on January 30, 2009, in Roanoke, Va., due to complications of emphysema. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion Edward and Lila Gray Griffin. Marion is survived by her twin sister and "womb-mate" Greta Griffin Jones. She leaves behind sons, Gregory (Vicki), Mike (Lisa), and Billy (Janet) Wilson; and daughters, Lisa Chandrasuwan (Kid), Margaret Deputy Adcock, Eva Graham Oliver and Robin (Mark) McCullough. She had 17 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Marion graduated from Mullens High School in 1951. She was an accomplished classical pianist and studied Pre-Nursing and Physical Education at Radford University. Her first job was as a dance instructor at Floyd Ward School of Dance. Marion was a champion of the underprivileged and worked and trained others towards improving their lives. She was one of the driving forces behind the development of the "Head Start" program in Roanoke, which she worked with for many years. Marion volunteered to go into local jails and prisons to speak to inmates about the journey of recovery. She was active in the Civil Rights movement and in support of that participated in the "March on the Capital" in 1967. Marion worked tirelessly for and with mental health programs in Roanoke and was also employed at one time at Catawba State Hospital. In her later years she worked as a caretaker of the elderly and a nanny for small children. She often said , "I was born to do this" and indeed she was. Marion will be remembered for her wonderful wry sense of humor, her encyclopedic knowledge, her vast intellectual curiosity, her great love of books and poetry and above all, her deep love for her children, grandchildren and twin sister. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Planned Pethood, Angels of Assisi or Manna Food Ministries. Marion fought for equal rights for all people, especially those that did not have a voice. She leaves you all with " A tear and a smile." In the Springtime, her family will scatter her ashes along the banks of the James River in Nelson County near her grandparents farm "Forkfield Farm" at her requests. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2009, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.