Barbara Griffis Decatur

Barbara Griffis Decatur

Barbara Griffis Decatur passed away in Fredericksburg, VA on December 19, 2025, after an extended illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Russell Stewart Decatur, in June 2025.

Barbara was born in Stafford, VA, on July 20, 1947, to George Warren Griffis and Margaret Gaynell Griffis. She is survived by her children, Stewart Decatur (Tammy) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Connie Decatur of Stafford, VA; grandchildren Jessica Hooper (Joey), Dewey Decatur (Kelsey), and Jacob Decatur; great grandchildren Jason, Jackson, Jacob Hooper and Lucy and Tripp Decatur.

Barbara graduated from Stafford High School in 1965 and remained in the area as she began her career, first in local retail and then continuing with Stafford County Public Schools. In 1973, Barbara began working in the Stafford Clerks Office as an administrative assistant. She continued working there under three different clerks when in 2002 she was appointed Clerk of the Court to succeed Thomas M. Moncure who had taken a job at the State House. Barbara continued to serve as clerk and campaigned for and was then elected to the position in 2004 where she guided the office through years of unprecedented growth, both in development and technology. Barbara was recognized many times throughout her career and upon her retirement, by The Stafford County Board of Supervisors and The Virginia Clerks Association. Throughout her life Barbara was active in her church community, particularly at Calvary Southern Methodist Church, in Stafford, where she served as Treasurer and Superintendent of Sunday School.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.