Hilda McElhenney Griffith

Farewell to a remarkable woman admired, loved, and respected by all who knew her. Hilda McElhenney Griffith was born in 1927 to Dr. Thomas Jefferson and Hilda Rudd McElhenney in Alabama. The family moved to Austin just in time for Hilda to begin school at Pease Elementary in 1933. After Austin High School she attended the University of Texas as a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, graduating with a BS degree. In 1947, Hilda married the love of her life, Llewellyn B. Griffith Jr. In 1951 Lew was recalled into the US Air Force and they spent the next 20 years building a family and moving from coast to coast in the United States and a 3 year tour in Germany. During this time Hilda and Lew discovered a love for traveling visiting all of the European countries outside the Iron Curtain. While Lew was serving his country, our very busy Hilda was recognized as the Air Force Wife of the year by the Air Material Command, and began a 20 year active volunteer life with the American Red Cross. Upon returning to Austin in 1966 her love of volunteering led her to 40 years with the Settlement Club serving in several positions including President. With great enthusiasm she also graciously volunteered her husband, children, and cousins for the now famous 'Settlement Club Garage Sale'. During this time she reconnected with the Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity becoming a member of the KAÆŸ Board of Directors for the Alpha Theta House Corporation, Alumnae District President, and a National Special Officer serving as Director of Alums, Chapters, and Clubs. Following Lew's retirement, the happy couple began traveling again visiting Russia, Thailand, Japan, China, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Canada, Mexico, many parts of the United States. England became a favorite destination thanks to the generosity of her Theta sister Harriet who loaned Hilda her London home on 9 occasions. This incredible gift built wonderful memories with family and friends. Hilda was preceded by her parents, Dr. & Mrs. T. J. McElhenney, and her brother Dr. Thomas R. McElhenney. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, and their children: Hildy Soper, L. Brooks Griffith and his wife Sandy; Annie Koach and her husband Bruce; and 3 grandchildren Sunni Ann Soper, Alecia Koach, and Curtis Koach. Hilda loved her family, her friends, her community, and her country. She was a truly inspiring and very gracious lady in thought, word, and deed. She always had a smile which will be missed by the many, many people touched by her in the last 86 years. In keeping with Hilda's spirit please convert "flowers" to donations for The Settlement Home or your favorite charity and consider volunteering an hour or two for a cause dear to your heart. She would love that! Memorial Service: All Saints Episcopal Church, 209 W 27th Street, Austin Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 4:00 pm Reception following in Gregg Hall