Martha Griffin

Born on September 20, 1927 Departed on February 7, 2017 and resided in Nashville, TN Visitation: Grace Church of The NazareneFriday February 10, 2017 4:00pm to 7:00pmSaturday February 11, 2017 9:00am to 10:00amLife Celebration: Grace Church of The NazareneSaturday February 11, 2017 10:00am to 11:00am

Martha Sue (Hill) Griffin, also known as Mom, Mother, Granny, and Aunt Sue, was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 20, 1927. She went to be with the Lord at the age of 89 in Nashville, Tennessee on February 7, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jonas Hartsel and Eunice Vendelar (Caudle) Deal; sisters, Alva M. Connell and Naomi Fussell; brothers, James H. Deal and Robert E. Deal; her husband, James Roy "Pete" Hill, and her husband, Roy E. Griffin.

She is survived by her sister, Miriam Knight of Memphis, TN, son, David (Jamie) Hill; grandson, Justin (Sari) Hill; granddaughter, Hayley (Zac) Shaddix; great granddaughter, Brooklin Hill; several nieces and nephews, all the extended family and a host of friends.

Sue was married to Pete Hill in 1948 and the couple made their residence in Chattanooga, TN, and for a short time in Paris, TN. When Pete was diagnosed with cancer, Sue cared for him until he passed away in June, 1981.

When her mother suffered a stroke, she moved to Nashville to be her mother's care giver at her residence and at a healthcare facility. A new chapter in her life began when she married Roy E. Griffin in July, 1988. She continued her household managing ways until she was no longer able, suffering with several physical conditions. It was a great disappointment, when she lost her devoted husband, care giver, support, and security, Roy, just last month on January 5. Without Roy by her side, her life entered a challenging phase compounded by physical issues and grief she faced. After recent hospital and rehab sojourns, Sue passed away February 7, 2017.

Sue was raised in a pastor's home where family, church, and congregation became the center of her life. She continued those commitments in each place she lived. She served in several capacities in congregations: Sunday School teacher, pianist, vocalist, church events committee, and other service positions. Much of the time, she was satisfied to serve in a behind-the-scenes role and became a help to others who sought advice or direction.

For the most part, she did not work outside the home except for a short stint as a store clerk in a department store and part-time bookkeeper at her husband's service station. If a person should choose a vocation doing something they enjoy, then Sue chose correctly as a home maker. She thoroughly loved and lived to take care of her family. She turned her home into a place where others were welcome to join her family at the dinner table, usually on Sunday afternoons after church.

Sue's main hobby was cooking. She read cook books or magazines for recipes she might serve for the "next dinner." Anyone would be hard-pressed to surpass her collection and volumes of cook books she amassed. Another past time she loved was sitting at her piano and playing favorite gospel songs and hymns. She especially appreciated the music written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. These became a source of Christian growth as she played and sang them.

Throughout her life, Sue's love for Christ was shown to others. She exhibited a strong, confident peace in her life as she followed Christ. Even though there is a void now that her life is over, her example about home, family, and church will be an inspiration to us.

The family will receive friends at Grace Church of the Nazarene, 2620 Pennington Bend Road, Nashville, TN, 37214, 4:00-7:00PM, Friday, February 10 and 9:00-10:00AM, Saturday, February 11 with the service to follow at 10:00AM.
Services will be conducted by Rev. Jonathan Trees, Dr. Norman Henry, and Rev. David R. Hill.

Interment will be Saturday, February 11, 4:00 PM (Eastern Time) at Chattanooga Memorial Park, 501 Memorial Dr., Chattanooga, TN, 37415.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CrossBridge to support the KidPOWER program. Donations can be mailed to 335 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN, 37210.