Carolyn Ward Griffin

CHAPEL HILL - Carolyn Ward Griffin suddenly left this world to be with Jesus in the early morning of October 5th, 2019. She was born on July 2, 1944 in Nash County. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Marvin Ward and Lucile Parker Ward and her sister Theresa Ward Brown. She was a graduate of Red Oak High School in 1962 after which she attended East Carolina University. She was a remarkable friend to those she came to know in her many years of working as a clerk at the Chapel Hill Hallmark store. She was a longtime faithful choir member at North Chapel Hill Baptist Church and then at Antioch Baptist Church of Chapel Hill. Her passion was traveling. She took full advantage of her daughter Tammy's job at Delta and traveled the world with her husband and sister to scenic destinations in Canada, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Hawaii, Colorado, California, Arizona, Washington, Alaska and especially Montana. She traveled as far as China including the Great Wall and cherished even close destinations like her favorite North Carolina beach, Emerald Isle, where she spent her birthday almost every July. Recently she enjoyed spending time with family at the house on Lake Gaston where every sunset was a special one to her, even her last on Friday evening. Another passion was UNC basketball. She attended every game she could and loved Dean Smith and Roy Williams. She was a regular storming Franklin Street celebrating each Tarheel National Championship. She will be sorely missed by her husband of 55 years, Samuel Cecil Griffin. Her son, Robbie Griffin and daughter Tammy Purner (Drew) are devastated by her passing. She is also survived by four grandsons, Zachary Griffin (Jessica), Logan Griffin, Sean Purner, Shane Purner and her brother Gerald Ward (Pat) and many nieces and nephews. Her beloved beagles Abby and Buddy will miss her and the treats/leftovers that she insisted they get daily. A Celebration of Carolyn's Life will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 11:00 AM Antioch Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 with Pastor David Atwater officiating. A Reception with the family will immediately follow the service in the Fellowship Hall of the church until 1:30 PM. The Committal Service will take place at Rocky Mount Memorial Park at 4:00 PM that afternoon. There will be a Fellowship Meal following the Committal at Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Service Antioch Baptist Church 1707 White Cross Road Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516 Tuesday 10/8, 11:00 am - 11:45 am A Celebration of Carolyn's Life will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 11:00 AM Antioch Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 with Pastor David Atwater officiating. Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Tuesday 10/8, 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm The Committal Service will take place at Rocky Mount Memorial Park at 4:00 PM that afternoon. There will be a Fellowship Meal following the Committal at Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Reception Antioch Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 1707 White Cross Road Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516 Tuesday 10/8, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm A Reception with the family will immediately follow the service in the Fellowship Hall of the church until 1:30 PM.