Martha George Griffith

Published 6:04 pm Monday, October 22, 2018

Martha George Griffith, 88, a native and lifelong resident of Demopolis, passed away on Oct. 22, 2018, in Cullman, Alabama where she currently resided.

Martha is survived by her husband of 65 years, Eugene Poole Griffith Jr.; and her children, Elizabeth Cornish Griffith Anderson (Phil) of Cullman, Eugene Poole Griffith III (Elizabeth) of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and John David Griffith (Jenny) of Gastonia, North Carolina. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Martha Griffith of Tuscaloosa; Dorothy Griffith Pena (Andres) of San Antonio, Texas; Patrick Griffith of Fort Worth, Texas; Sally Claire Griffith of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Rob Anderson (Amy) of Cullman; and two great-grandchildren, Jack Michael Anderson and Ella Faith Anderson, both of Cullman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Elizabeth Cornish George, and is survived by their other four daughters, her sisters: Jane George Watson and Kayte George Melton (Thomas) of Demopolis; Sally George Cobb (Mitch)of Mobile; and Donnie Sue George Ford (Wentworth) of Glenview, Illinois, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

Martha attended Demopolis schools and graduated from Demopolis High School in 1948.  Following graduation, she left for Birmingham where she attended business college and later worked in Birmingham for several years until her marriage in 1953. Upon her return to Demopolis, she was immediately involved in the life of the community through her church, First United Methodist Church, which she served as Sunday school teacher, on the Altar Guild, chairman and member of the United Methodist Women morning circle. She was a volunteer and chair of the annual Methodist Bazaar, and was given the UMW special recognition pin for her dedicated service.

She was a charter and lifetime member of the Marengo County Historical Society, serving as president and board member for many years. She was also a member of the Marengo County History and Archives Museum, the Two Rivers Arts Council, and on the Alabama History and Tourism Board. Other activities and service included the Demopolis City Schools PTA and the Demopolis City Schools Foundation from which she received several awards for service. She was both a Cub Scout den leader and Girl Scout troop leader. Her love of lifelong learning carried over into several areas of interest, including the Colonial Book Club. She and her husband, Buddy, were strong supporters of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and were jointly recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Martha was chosen to serve as St. Nicholas for the annual Christmas on the River.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in  Demopolis, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m., with visitation preceding the service at 10 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 East Decatur St., Demopolis, AL 36732.