Ms. Theris L. Griffin

Theris was born on November 14, 1932, to Theodore and Italy Hunt in Aubrey, Arkansas. She was the youngest of four children born to this union. She was preceded in death by both parents, Theodore and Italy Hunt, her husband, Willie Griffin Jr., son, Wendell Hal Griffin, stepson, Charles Griffin, granddaughter, Anitra McCowan,one sister, Eunice Broadway, two brothers, Willard Hunt and Prentice Hunt.

At the age of 12, Theris accepted Christ as her personal Savior at Hampshire MBC in Aubrey, Arkansas. She enjoyed having her mother as her Sunday school teacher, and went to church faithfully every Sunday.

Theris graduated in 1950, a year early, and ahead of her class, from Moton High School in Marianna, Arkansas. She was often praised by many of her teachers, and known for her great penmanship.

On March 24, 1957, Theris was joined in Holy Matrimony to Willie Griffin Jr. in Kansas City, Missouri, and they raised nine children together. Theris and Willie were entrepreneurs that ventured into several businesses. The couple owned a restaurant, and a gas station, however, the longest business venture was Griffin & Son Auto Polishing located in Independence, Missouri. They retired after 22 years.

Theris didn't sit down long, she went straight into doing what she loved best, cooking. She joined her daughter in opening up Niecie's Restaurant, where she contributed so much into making it what it is today. Her recipes are famous for Niecie's signature dishes, like the peach cobbler, banana pudding, cornbread dressing, and homemade rolls, to say a few. She worked faithfully with her daughter from 1985 to 2009.

Theris was all about her family, she helped, and supported her children, in the rearing of her grandchildren. She was the true matriarch of her family.

On March 29, 1987, she joined Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, under the Pastoral Leadership of Reverend R.L. Holt. Theris was a God fearing woman who had strong faith in the power, and necessity of prayer in her life, and the lives of others.

We will long remember Our Mother, Our Grandmother, Our Aunt, and Our Friend, for her pleasant smile, and outgoing demeanor. We loved her dearly, but God loved her best.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, seven children, Clyde McCowan (Queenetta), Barbara Griffin Lee, Denise Ward (Perry), Lisa Washington (Darran), Leslie Griffin, Phillip Griffin (Lynne), and Paula Griffin.

Fourteen grandchildren, Mae Catherine, Sheri, Clyde Jr., Brandi, Brandon, Fallon, Mark, Swanee, Christian, Daryn, Griffin, Timberlyn, Cerwin, and Denvoir, a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, additional family members, and friends.

Funeral services Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00am at Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation Saturday 10:00am-11:00am at the church. Arrangements entrusted Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.