Jean MCGRIFF

1933 - 2016

MCGRIFF, Jean Claire Thornton Jean Claire Thornton McGriff was the epitome of fun. She lived life to the fullest with joy, laughter and stubbornness. She was a wife, mother, daughter, "Memama," athlete, fighter and friend. A native of Decatur, she was born in Atlanta, GA, on May 1, 1933. She entered Heaven's Gate on July 30, 2016, no doubt greeted with open arms by her husband, son, parents and many others who preceded her. She passed peacefully in her home with her son and daughter by her side. Jean had a tremendous impact on every life she touched. You need only look at her worn and tattered address book to know what was most important to her relationships. She molded lives of countless kindergarteners during her 25 years of teaching. She baked cakes for neighbors in need and planned trips for the "lights of her life," her family. During her cancer treatments, she brought "treats" to her caregivers and fellow patients. She always thought of others. Jean received her undergraduate degree at University of Georgia, and her Master's in Education at Georgia State University. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, President of the Panhellenic Council, and belonged to the Junior League of DeKalb. She loved tennis, beach walks, and bragging about her three "grand boys" Griff, Ben and Sam. With her husband Buz at her side, she ran the Peachtree Road race for over 20 years. Travel with her family was her favorite activity. Jean also enjoyed getaways with life-long friends, "the Decatur Girls." She lives on the hearts and minds of those she loved. Her service will be at Decatur First United Methodist Church on Friday, Aug 5th at 1 pm with a celebratory reception to follow at the Mary Gay House 716 W. Trinity Pl. Decatur, Ga. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at http://www.stjude.org. A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home @ Crematory.