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Joyce Dowdy Griffith

October 20, 1948 ~ May 3, 2020

Joyce Gale Dowdy Griffith, age 71, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at home surrounded by her family. She was born October 20, 1948, in Altavista, Virginia, to the late Horace and Antha “Adell” (Betterton) Dowdy. A retired teacher of many years, she had a love of books and reading, and spent many hours reading to her children and grandchildren. A devoted wife, she was also, a wonderful mother and grandmothercompassionate, loving, selfless, silly, and fun, the perfect playmate. She was a committed Catholic and spent much of her time volunteering at her church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, as a member and Secretary of the Legion of Mary, an Adorer, subbing as parish Secretary, and helping her friend, Penny Silvers with the childrens choir. She also served her community through Meals on Wheels, volunteering on OLPHs day. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, David Faulkner Griffith, who lovingly referred to her as “babe”, and her brother-in-law, Barry Baggerly. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Griffith Hawkins and husband, J. Brian, of Boone, and sons, John David Griffith and wife, Teresa (Wood), of Red Oak, and Adam-Augustine Faulkner Griffith of Middlesex; grandchildren, Liam Cole Hawkins, Lauren Elizabeth Griffith, Enoch Nathanael Griffith, Hannah Elizabeth Griffith, Caroline MacKenzie Griffith, and Callan Michael Griffith. She is also survived by her four sisters: her identical twin, Judy Hall (Ronnie) of Rustburg, VA, JoAnne Baggerly of Burlington, NC, Doris Hall (Dennis) of Evington, VA, and Susan Gill (Alvin) of Altavista, VA; brother-in-law, Robert Griffith (Nancy) of Austin, TX; several nieces and nephews, and many friends especially long-time friend, Phyllis Hardy of Nashville; neighbors, Ron and Catherine Jancso, and special family friend, Nkaze Chateh of the home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 1:30 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Father Tim Meares celebrating. Burial will follow the Mass at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. 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. During a family's time of loss, understandably family and friends would like to visit and express their sympathy. Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services asks that during this difficult time for the safety and well-being of the family, please keep touching and contact to a minimum. We ask if you have visited outside of the USA in the last two weeks or if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms to please wait and visit with the family at a later time. You may contact the family by email, place an online condolence on our website or give the family a phone call. Again, we understand this is a difficult time but we encourage exhibiting safety and courtesy to everyone involved in these services. The mandate from Governor Cooper includes funerals, visitations and all services, so we must limit the attendance until further notice. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this unprecedented situation. Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Tuesday 5/5, 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Burial will follow the Mass at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Mass Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 331 Hammond Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-972-0452 --> | Tuesday 5/5, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 1:30 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Father Tim Meares celebrating.

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  1. John we are so sorry for your loss. I can still remember you coming over to play with Jason. (That has been a long time.) I often think of you and I hope you can get through this. It is hard but you need to know that they are together again and much happier. Lift up your head just remember the good times. Love always Sandra & Emory

  2. Joyce made me a better Catholic. She reminded me what it was that i most loved about our faith because of her passionate love of our faith. She was a good friend always there when I needed an ear to listen. I will miss her dearly. I send all of my love and prayers to her family that she loved with all her heart.

  3. Rest in peace and let perpetual light shine for her we will miss them very much Mrs Joyce and Mr David

  4. Sweet, sweet lady..May she Rest in Peace.. . will miss seeing her outside the church after masses 3.. My prayers to her family.


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