Reaby Lee Griffith

Today we celebrate the life of Reaby L. Griffith who was born to the proud parents of Phillip and Vinnie Stewart on August 24, 1934, in Steele, Missouri. She was one of eleven girls and seven boys born to this Stewart union. Reaby L. Griffith united in Holy matrimony to the late Curtis W. Griffith Sr. on March 26, 1957, and raised three beautiful children.

She felt a calling to health and wellness and dedicated her life of service in nursing. Reaby attended Lake Michigan College to become a licensed practical nurse in 1963 and a registered nurse in 1973. During her 34-year nursing career, she worked in various nurse specialties with inpatient care at Mercy Hospital, and Berrien General Hospital, and different long-term care facilities. She retired as a public health nurse at the Berrien County Health Department after 15 years, 7 of which she served as a team leader. Reaby’s experience allowed her to teach others about the prevention and treatment of diseases through presentations and workshops to churches, schools, factories, and men and women social groups.

Reaby Griffith was a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church during her younger years and later baptized at Highland Avenue Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She actively participated in various ministries and loved singing in the choir. Reaby was deeply rooted in her spirituality and attended religious workshops, conferences, and prayer groups across Michigan.

Reaby didn’t have many hobbies, but she enjoyed planning parties for any occasion and displayed a creative touch when decorating the venue with color and style. She had a quiet personality in nature, but her passion, love, and energy for family and friends were boundless.

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, Reaby transitioned from this Earthly Realm in the comforts of her daughter’s home in Killeen, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.

She leaves precious memories to be cherished in the hearts of her children: Joyce Stewart, Curtis Griffith Jr. (Sandra), and Amourie Johnson (Tony); (1) God-daughter Jackie Downs (Jeffery); (2) sisters, Juanita Robinson and Vinnie Pickett; (2) grandchildren, Phillip Stewart and Andrea Griffith; (7) great-grandchildren, Phillip, Julius, MaKenzie, Day’Shawn, Alona, Keondre, and Armani. Reaby leaves a host of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

Reaby Griffith is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, seven brothers, and eight sisters.

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