Patricia Ann "Pat" Backuse

Patricia Ann Backuse, (affectionately known as Pat), age 72, of Newark, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.
Patricia was born on September 1, 1953 to the late Evelyn Davis and Joseph Griffin. She was raised in Columbus, South Carolina and was the youngest of five children. She gave her life to Christ at a very young age.
Patricia's favorite pastimes included playing cards, watching wrestling, and enjoying her soap operas. She found joy in the simple things, especially family visits. Even a small gift would bring a smile to her face. In her spare time, she loved calling and texting family and friends just to check in and stay connected.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn Davis and Joseph Griffin; four brothers, Jimmy Griffin, Donnel Davis, Tommy Davis, and Lewis Griffin; one sister, Pearl Backuse; and three daughters, Hattie Delores Griffin, Celita Marie Foster, and Tyesha Latonya Griffin.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband, Kenny McGee of Newark, New Jersey; two daughters, Delonda Valentine of Elizabeth, New Jersey and Alnesha Murphy of Scranton, Pennsylvania; one son, James Griffin of Newark, New Jersey; two aunts, Betty Hemmingway and Cora Mae McKenith of Newark, New Jersey; and twenty-one grandchildren: Rashawn Griffin, Lashonda Greene-Lewis, Sierra Williams, Denise Alexis, James Griffin Jr., Lataya Davis, Richard Griffin, Michael Griffin, Christopher Griffin, Daniel Boston, Larry Pressley, Koscine Freeman, Dwight Pressley, Alnisa Coleman, Al-Jahneer Griffin, Tyonna Griffin, Shawn Smith, Khalil Valentine, Jahlil Valentine, Sharod Hester, and Ja'Asia Griffin. She is also lovingly remembered by a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she cared about deeply.
"Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."
"We honor your journey through life, and we remember with gratitude your deep love for your family and friends."
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