Phyllis Evelyn (“Peg”) Griffith, 92, of Alum Creek, WV, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Dunbar Center where she resided for the last year.
Phyllis was born on September 9, 1931, to James Kenneth and Bremen Griffith. She graduated from Washington District High School in 1949 and was the school secretary in 1950.
She was known for her loyalty to friends and willingness to help anyone who needed assistance. She was quick to help the poor, and others, navigate through the legal system.
During her career, Phyllis worked for, and had a lifelong friendship, with Governor Cecil Underwood. During his first term in office, she worked in the Probation and Parole Department, often crossing the hall to get the Governor’s signature on extradition orders. Through her ability and knowledge of the system, she became integral in working for the Governor’s office, often being called on to receive and complete work for the Governor. After leaving the State House, she worked with the Director of the Medical Dispensary at Union Carbide.
Upon her retirement, she joined the “Old Timers Group” from Carbide. Her last professional position was in the Prosecutor’s Office, working with six prosecutors: Charlie Walker, Larry Winters, Mike Rourke, Jim Stuckey, Pat Casey, and Charlie King. Charlie King was a lifelong personal friend. Throughout her life, she loved the West Virginia State Police. For many years, she has been an Honorary Member of the West Virginia State Troopers Association.
In her retirement years, she became well-known in “quilting” circles. In addition to her work at Cabin Creek Quilters, she had two special friends, Gladys Thomas and Nora Lipscomb, who assisted her in creating some of the most beautiful quilts in West Virginia. These quilts were often displayed at the Cultural Center in Charleston. During a number of “quilt-hops”, she and her sisters visited almost all the fabric stores between Charleston and Morgantown.
Phyllis also dedicated many hours contributing to community activities, including volunteering with the American Red Cross and with local political events.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, J.K. and Bremen Griffith, her son Jimmy, her siblings: Betty J. Riling (Bob), Jewell Haddad (Phil), Faye G. Yerrid, Kenny Griffith (Anne Thaxton), Patty G. Dimock (Don), Jeanette G. Rieck (Bob), Douglas MacArthur Griffith, and her nieces and nephew: Susan Riling, Cindy Dimock, Leslie Haddad, and Kevin Griffith.
She is survived by two of her ten siblings: Carley Jo Means (Dale) of Severna Park, MD, and Jack G. Griffith (Loxley) of Denton, Texas. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Richard Riling (Ohio), Katrina Riling (Charleston, WV), David Haddad (Tennessee), Janet Lynn Claus (Texas), Julie Ann Boehm (Louisiana), Michael Griffith (Texas), Steven Yerrid (Florida), Matt Dimock (Massachusetts), Susan Dimock (Massachusetts), Sandy Dimock (Wisconsin), Derek Rieck (Pennsylvania), Merlin Means (Maryland), Amy Lutz (Florida), Cody Lilley (North Carolina), and Jason Griffith (Charleston, WV).
Of the fifty plus grandchildren of Albert Griffith (1856-1933 of Olcott, WV), Phyllis was one of the last four surviving descendants. Carley Jo Means, Jack Griffith, and Hollis Griffith are the remaining three survivors.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in the name of Phyllis Griffith to the West Virginia State Troopers Association. Donations can be made online at https://wvtroopers.org/wvta-donations-2/ or you can call at (304) 345-9882. Proceeds benefit the “Bears Against Drugs” program.
Service will be 1:00pm, Tuesday. July 16, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home, with Pastor Tim Valentine officiating. Burial will follow at Forks of Coal Memorial Park, Alum Creek, WV.
Friends will gather 6:00 – 8:00pm Monday, July 15, 2024, at the funeral home and also one hour prior to the service.
My Grandmother Gretchen Wiseman was a good friend of Phyllis & I can remember times our grandmother would take us ( me & my 3 Sisters ) and walk to her house just to say Hi , A lot of memories , now she is with her son Jimmy
So sorry to learn that Phyllis passed away. She lived down the road from my parent’s house. She was a good person and I tried to keep in touch with her after I moved away from home. She will be sorely missed.
Dear Carley Jo and Jack, Was so sorry to hear about Phyllis’ passing. I remember her fondly. Matter of fact I recall the last time I was in WV I enjoyed visiting with Phyllis and Jewell at your home Carley. It was a wonderful evening. I’m grateful I had that opportunity. Will keep you all and your families in my prayers. Always, Your Cousin Donna