Patricia Ann "Patty" Griffin

1941 - 2014

Patricia Ann "Patty" Griffin, 72, of Jacksonville, died Monday, April 7, 2014, at Passavant Hospital in Jacksonville.

She was born June 4, 1941, in Jacksonville, the daughter of Carthel Norman and Doris Lucille Blackburn Birdsong. She married Charles "Chuck" Griffin on April 28, 1963, in Yuma, Ariz., and he survives.

She is also survived by two sons, Daniel R. Griffin (wife, Kathy) of Springfield and Todd C. Griffin (wife, Sandy) of Jacksonville; a daughter, Susan D. Davidson of Jacksonville; five grandchildren, Rachel Ford (husband, Rich) of Metamora, Megan Griffin of Springfield, Tyler Griffin and Logan Griffin of Jacksonville, and Morgan Gimbel of Jacksonville; seven great-grandchildren, Madeleine and Sophia of Metamora, Emily, Kayden and Paige of Jacksonville who were raised in the family home, and Brianna and Amiyah of Jacksonville; a brother, Ron Birdsong of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Patty attended Jacksonville High School and graduated in 1959 from Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix. While in Arizona, Patty and Chuck met and were married. They later returned to Jacksonville to raise their family. She was employed as a teller for 15 years at Elliott State Bank in Jacksonville and later worked as a teacher's assistant with Pathway School with the children's program and in food service with Jacksonville School District 117.

For over 30 years, Patty was a very well-respected breeder/exhibitor of Chihuahuas and Japanese Chins. She bred many champions for both herself and many others. Patty owned the "Best of Breed" Japanese Chin at the National Specialty in 1989. She traveled extensively over the years to participate in renowned shows and exhibitions across the U.S. and England. She was a charter member of the Land of Lincoln Chihuahua Club of Illinois, Nashville Chihuahua Club, Chihuahua Club of America, and Japanese Chin Club of America. Patty was admired and loved by all who knew her through her dogs.

Patty was a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of the Women of the Moose for 40 years. Later in life, she enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels through her kitchen window. She was devoted to a loving companionship with her pets and dedicated to raising her three great-grandchildren, Emily, Kayden and Paige, and supporting their many activities.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the Buchanan and Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville with burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, south of Jacksonville. The family will meet friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of services. Memorials are suggested to PAWS, Take The Lead, or to Jacksonville Women of the Moose. Condolences may be left online at www.buchanancody.com.