Shirley Griffin

“I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Shirley was a woman of great faith and strong spirit. She passed away peacefully on January 11, surrounded by people who loved and cared for her, at age 83.

Shirley had a presence that drew people in. She loved listening to Bishop T.D. Jakes with her headphones on, and people often heard her say, “Amen, you got it, preacher!” She also enjoyed it when people read the psalms, and always finished the sentences with “Bless the Lord.” Shirley loved listening to gospel and country music, as well as the Beatles, especially the song Yellow Submarine. One of her favorite songs was This Little Light of Mine.

Shirley liked to celebrate special occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and her birthday. She would ask for chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream and 2 pieces of chicken (this is a Shirley tradition). She also loved getting her hair done.

Shirley enjoyed working with her friends at the Nine Mile Point day habilitation since starting in 2007. Before that, Shirley was at Lifetime Assistance. At day hab, Shirley liked bringing her Bible, her maracas and her catalog.

One of Shirley’s dreams was to shout, “Come on down!” She watched the Price is Right for decades, and had a photo of Bob Barker in her room. Her team emulated this experience in November 2022, and made her truly feel like she was on the Price is Right on this very special day.

Shirley was predeceased by with her mother, Nellie Mae Griffin, who passed in 2008, and her sister Celestine who she was close to, who passed away in 2020. She is survived by her many Heritage Christian Services friends and she will be especially missed by her Shoecraft family.

We will celebrate Shirley’s life at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18 at Spiritus Christi Church, 121 North Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, New York 14614. Shirley loved the color red, so please feel free to wear or bring something with red in it to honor Shirley. There will be an internment at Riverside Cemetery following the service.