Brenda H. Griffin

Brenda Hood Griffin, born December 24, 1948 in Lexington, Va. departed this life on June 11, 2023 at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Va.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Ilene Jarvis; and her sister, Kathy Moore Dillion; and her beloved dog, Jack. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her three sons Jeffrey Hood, Gregory Griffin and Jonathan Griffin; devoted cousins, Susan Hall McGinley and Bonnie Hall-Moore; a beloved grandson, Gavin Griffin; a host of other cousins and nieces and nephews as well as a dearly beloved and devoted friend and caretaker, Dee Dee David.
Throughout Brenda's life she wore many professional hats. She was a nurse, a mother, an apartment complex rental manager, a department store manager, and a devoted and loving Infant and Toddler Early Childhood Educator. It was in her last profession that she truly said she felt her calling. Brenda took all of her passions and trainings from earlier professions and used them to help do what she loved-nurture and love on children. Brenda loved being an Early Childhood Educator. She adored the children that would come into her classroom and would treat them as if they were one of her very own. It was this same loving gentle kindness that she treated everyone she met with. It did not matter whether you were 2 months or 25 years old, Brenda loved people and if she met you, you were automatically met with her love and friendly smile.
Brenda also taught a "Manners and Etiquette" class in our School-Age program during Summer Camp where she taught students how to behave in public settings to include restaurants and fine dining. The students ended their summer camp session with a fine dining meal experience at A Little Peace of Mind Daycare with all the trimmings and fanfare of a real restaurant.
She was very devoted and loyal to her friends and her family and would always go out of her way to lend a helping hand if and when it was needed. She was truly a person concerned about her fellow man and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. She was a sweet and sensitive soul with some "sage" wisdom to help encourage anyone who needed some sound advice or even just a shoulder to cry on. She was loving, kind, caring and compassionate mixed with a little fire and ice. Her quick wit and good sense of humor never failed to come to her aid or rescue whenever she needed and they just helped to complete who she was.
When Brenda came to work at A Little Peace of Mind Daycare in 2013, she became not only an employee but also good friends with the owner Ms. Justine ad her sister Ms. Dee Dee. She and Ms. Justine often shared conversations and comparisons of the exploits of their sons; however, it was Ms. Dee Dee who soon became a close friend and confidante to Brenda. Brenda eventually came to regard Dee Dee as the "daughter she never had'. She asked Dee Dee to accompany her to doctors' and medical visits, as well as, on shopping trips and dining occasions. Brenda was invited to and included in many of the holiday celebrations of Ms. Justine and Ms. Dee Dee's family.
One Sunday morning when Brenda woke up, she called Ms. DeeDee and expressed a desire to go to church with her. After that initial experience, she began going to church with Dee Dee regularly. During one Sunday morning service she had a conversation with the pastor and decided that she wanted to be baptized. Brenda was baptized in Jesus name in the summer of 2019 at House of Prayer Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith Inc. Brenda was so happy about her baptism, and the peace it brought her on that day, she kept saying, "Thank you Lord" as she dried off and redressed.
When health issues caused Brenda to be hospitalized from time to time, Dee Dee would sometimes stay by her bedside overnight to comfort her and make sure she received proper care. When mobility became an issue for Brenda, Dee Dee would order her groceries and have them delivered to her. During her final days when Brenda's health issues became more pressing and new ones emerged, she reached out to Dee Dee who offered words of comfort and encouragement and gave her prayerful support.
To know Brenda was to love her. We will forever cherish the memories of our beloved--- Ms. Brenda.
A Celebration of Brenda's life will be held 11 am Saturday June 17, 2023 at Bliley's-Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Rd.