Katherine GRIFFIN

GRIFFIN, Katherine L. 92, passed away peacefully in Tampa on June 2, 2021, with her loving family at her side. She was born in Cleveland, TN. Moved to Tampa in 1955. Katherine had a distinguished and rewarding career with Hillsborough County and the State of Florida from 1958 - 1982. She was the head bookkeeper and secretary to the principal of Plant City High School; promoted to assistant budget director to Hillsborough County Schools; promoted to assistant budget director to Hillsborough County Commission; transferred from Hillsborough County Commissioner's office to a position as a Legislative Aide to State Representative in Tallahassee, FL. After retiring from her career with county and state government in 1982, Katherine then went on to serve as President of C&K Southeast, Inc.; a Drywall, Steel Stud Framing sub-contracting business started with her late husband, Curtis F. Griffin. Jr. She was a member of Westgate Baptist Church, Tampa, FL., Past president and treasurer of Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee - Region 5; League of Women Voters, Two-term President of Tampa Firefighters Auxiliary, Member of Supervisory Committee Hillsborough County Employees Credit Union, Member of Hillsborough County Association of School Secretaries, Member of Florida Educational Secretaries Association. Member of Board of Directors- North Tampa Pony Colt League, Member Florida Association of School Finance Officers, Member of Home Builders Association, Past member of American Subcontractors Association, Member of Town 'N Country Alliance and Chamber of Commerce, Served on CITY CORP committee for the Mayor Dick Greco's office, coordinated volunteers as goodwill ambassadors for the City of Tampa. In 1976, Katherine took a leave of absence to serve as the office coordinator for the Tampa headquarters for the successful Carter-Mondale Presidential campaign. The highlight of her political career was serving as an elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention in New York in 1976 and being named to Who's Who in American Politics in 1991; 1990-1994 member of steering Committee for the Lawton Chiles for Governor Campaigns; 1994-1995 served as field coordinator for Dick Greco for Mayor campaign. Katherine and her late husband, Deputy Chief Curtis F. Griffin Jr., were devoted to civil service. Both of their lives were marked by a lifelong dedication to civic engagement and community service. Katherine is preceded in death by her loving husband (d. 2005), retired Deputy Chief Curtis F. Griffin Jr. (Tampa Fire Department) of 58 years (m. 1947-2005); her parents, Paul T. Murray and Mamie Weaver Murray of Chattanooga, TN.; and her six siblings, James Paul Murray, Howard Murray, Edith Pharr, Esta Ruth Minnis, Barbara Fugate, and Jack Murray. Katherine is survived by her two children, Carolyn Jacobs (Gary) of San Diego and Lindy Griffin (Brenda) of Tampa; her four grandchildren, Benjamin Jacobs (Gina), Stephanie Mitchell (Brandon). Adam Griffin (Lindsay), and Carly Griffin Payne (Golda); her eight great-grandchildren, Nola, Cecelia, Talia, Lana, Everett, Harlan, Frankie Rae, and Griffin, and fifteen nieces and nephews. Katherine's early life was difficult, especially after her father had a stroke in his thirties, and her mother had to go to work to support the family. Her life-long regret was that she was not able to go to college. She said, "I guess you could say that I received a lot of education through the school of hard knocks. But that's not to say I haven't had a good life. People have always been able to see what I can do, and I believe I've been treated fairly and rewarded for my efforts." Katherine's early experience shaped her competency and resiliency. She modeled hard work and persistence and encouraged these qualities in her children and grandchildren. Katherine was "Mimi" and "Great-grand Mimi" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had such love and pride for them. She was always their greatest champion and advocate. Her generosity, strong sense of duty, and unconditional love was the bedrock of her family. Katherine's 92 years of life represented a life well-lived. Her legacy will be passed on to the generations that follow. Her loving memory will always be a blessing to her family. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood Funeral Home, located at 3207 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL. 33618. A funeral service will take place at 11 am on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at Myrtle Hill Cemetery located at 4101 E. Lake Rd. Tampa, FL. 33610. Blount& Curry Carrollwood