Marilyn "Sue" Griffith (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Marilyn Sue Griffith, daughter of James Ellis, Jr. and Wilma Irene “Billie “Hilton Thompson, was born September 2, 1937 in Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life September 1, 2024 in Lebanon, MO at the age of 86 years, 11 months and 30 days.
On December 1, 1956 she was united in marriage to Marvin Griffith. Four children were born to this union. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her only sister, Dianne Hightower. She is survived by one son, Greg and his wife, Terri, Rogersville, MO, three daughters, Lisa Cobb and her husband, Tony, Springfield, TN, Valerie Howe and her husband, Kenneth, Lebanon, MO and Suzanne Luallin and her husband, Mark, Conway, MO, a niece, Julie Jones, and a nephew, C.E. Hightower, 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren as well as many other relatives and friends. Sue was a graduate of Lebanon High School and was active in many school activities. She attended University of Missouri for a time but returned home after a year to begin dating who would become the love of her life, Marvin Griffith. They shared over 60 years of adventures and blessings that included four children. Earlier in her life, she enjoyed multi-generational family relationships with her grandparents and great- grandparents which indwelled in her heart the importance of family. She loved spending time with her grandmother Nora Hilton and her mother Billie. She professed her faith early in life and was baptized at First Baptist Church becoming a third generation member. After she and Marvin married they worked with her parents in the family businesses. They also branched out on their own and became managers of Dream Village Motel where they made their home for a time. Sue began Griffith House Antiques and sold not only antiques but beautiful estate jewelry. She was always supportive of Marvin’s many business ventures and for years they owned the Pony Express Convenience Stores around this area. She purchased Hayden’s Ladies Wear downtown and operated it for over 20 years. She found great satisfaction providing help to young couples or anyone looking for that “special piece of jewelry” or that “perfect” clothing item to meet a special need. She was a long time member of the PEO and served on various committees and boards in the community throughout the years as well.
Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life and wherever she was she was a constant source of inspiration. Throughout her life, she was sought out by many for encouragement and spiritual direction. She was active at First Baptist Church throughout her life and had taught Sunday School and served on various committees and boards including chairing the churches 100th Anniversary Celebration. She was an active leader in the churches Girls in Action Mission Program for years.
She was active in her children’s lives and served often as host of youth activities. She always brought clarity and wisdom which had been bathed in prayer to every group in which she was involved. Her home was always open to friends and family and she always demonstrated her gift of hospitality to her guests. She faced life’s circumstances with grace and dignity. For the last few years she attended Hillcrest Baptist Church. Throughout her life she and Marvin traveled extensively. They enjoyed spending time in Florida at their condominium where they entertained friends and family who regularly visited. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with her friends playing golf. She also loved reading. She particularly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and prayed for them by name each day. She rejoiced in their every success and hurt for them in their distress. She was especially happy when her grandchildren came to know Christ .She was a prayer warrior for many and loved praying for her many friends. Sue’s legacy will live for generations in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great –grandchildren. Her devotion to her Savior served her well throughout her life. We trust that when she stepped into eternity she was met with “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”
Memorial donations to St. Jude's or Feed the Cities can be made through Holman-Howe Funeral Home Funeral Home at 320 S. Adams Ave., Lebanon, Missouri 65536.
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