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Miriam Griffis Obituary
Born on October 16, 1929, in Fairfield, Texas Miriam began playing the piano at the age of 6. Miriam attended Baylor University where she received a bachelor's degree in Music and graduated with Honors in 1950.
Miriam attended Union Seminary in New York City where she received her master's in Sacred Music and studied under famed organist and composer Dr. Vernon DeTar and organist Hugh Porter.
Later Miriam served on the faculty of the Golden Gate Seminary in Oakland, California and was a pupil of Richard Purvis, organist at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Miriam returned to Baylor University, working as an organ and piano instructor and serving as a music librarian for almost 30 years. During this period, Miriam also served as an organist at various churches in Waco before accepting the organist position at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
In 1994, Miriam moved to Clear Lake to be close to her son and family. She was the organist at Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay for 20 years and a member of the American Guild of Organists until her retirement in 2020. While Miriam loved playing music, her greatest joy came from being with her grandsons.
Miriam was preceded in death by her parents P.D. and Fay Browne, brothers Ivan and Lowell Browne and grandson Jared Griffis.
She is survived by her son, Philip Griffis and wife Cindy, grandson Wyatt Griffis, wife Meaghan Maskew, great-granddaughter Charlotte Fay Griffis and grandson Jackson Griffis.
A private burial will take place in Fairfield, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas or the Jared Griffis Creative Writing Award at St. John's School in Houston, Texas.
Memories and Condolences
for Miriam Griffis
Sponsored by Carnes Funeral Home - Texas City.
1 Entry
Dr. Pat Sharp
November 4, 2025
Family of Miriam Griffis: I want to express my sincere condolences to you. Miriam was on the Music Library staff when my late husband, Avery Sharp, and I arrived at Baylor University. She was also the organist/pianist. Avery and I came to love Miriam. She was a wonderful person, a brilliant musician, and a great friend. Avery counted on her when he was director of the music library. She accompanied him many, many times when he sang at churches, and he frequently said that she was the BEST ever. We loved her quiet, positive approach to life. She and Avery are likely playing and singing in Heaven now. She was a loving friend for us, and I am grateful for her life.
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