Grace Evelyn Stiff

Grace Evelyn Stiff was born in Lone Oak , Texas on December 23, 1924.

She was the daughter of Coral & Edna Opal Griffin.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, sisters Pauline Moore and Mary Mahand, brother James (Butch) Griffin, ex-husband Raymond Jack Stiff, baby daughter Edna Mae Stiff, son Jonnie Stiff Sr. and daughter in law Ann Stiff

Evelyn has one living sister, Billie Miller of Terrell, Tx.

She is survived by sons, Raymond Jack Stiff, Jr. of Sulphur Springs, Jody Stiff and his wife Devona of Mesquite and daughter-in-law Darnell Stiff, 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren (+3 Bonus), 21 great-great grandchildren and a host of neices & nephews.

How do you sum up a century of life in a few words?

Born during the roaring twenties, Evelyn was a young girl during the great depression. Her mother died when she was twelve years old, shortly after the birth of her baby sister and the three girls were split up and sent to relatives until her father remarried.

Evelyn and Jack were introduced to each other by a cousin after seeing each other at a dance in downtown Mesquite when she was visiting an Aunt and Jack was stationed at the CCC Camp in Mesquite. They were married in 1942. Jack joined the Army Air Force and Evelyn followed him wherever he was stationed when allowed. She lost her baby daughter at three days old in 1943. Her first son was born while her husband was stationed in England, flying missions over Europe as a WW-II B-17 Tailgunner. She wrote nearly daily to her husband overseas and occasionally wrote as if it was from their 4 month old son Jackie (Raymond) expressing how anxious he was to get to meet his loving Dad for the first time that upcoming Christmas.

They welcomed their second son Jonnie in 1947, and in 1958 had their third son, Jody.

Evelyn had several jobs throughout her life, from picking cotton to working in a donut shop. But the job she had that was the most rewarding to her (other than being a wonderful Mother & Granny) was being a seamstress, and she was GOOD at it. In addition to making clothes, she was the seamstress for Jack's furniture upholstery shop, Stiff's Upholstery. Later, she worked for A&L upholstery in Dallas. Her middle son, Jonnie, purchased the shop and she continued to work as his seamstress for many years. They travelled from coast to coast in Jonnies motor home doing upholstery jobs for JC Pennys, even going to Hawaii to do jobs there. Sometimes, her oldest son Raymond would join them on these jobs.

Evelyn worked (and drove herself) until she was 90 years old. After her family, her interests were Bingo, Garage Sales, and going to a Casino. Her last trip to the Casino was about 4 weeks ago when she went with her sister Billie, her niece Shannon and a Great-niece, Trimeka where she sat and played a Willie Nelson machine and SANG with the songs from the machine. (I've never heard her sing) She cherished the annual Griffin Family reunions where each family put on a skit and Evelyn was ready to play any part. She loved to read, travel, and visit with people. And let's not forget about her Banana-Nut bread and ever famous chocolate pies. She remained curious and optimistic her entire life.

Evelyn's absence will leave a huge void in all of our hearts.

But her life is a testament to what a loving Mother, Sister, Aunt, Granny & Friend should be.