Joyce Fern Garrett Griffith 1932-2024

Joyce Fern Garrett Griffith, 91, of Clarksville, Tenn. passed away on Sept. 11, 2024. Joyce was born on Sept. 18, 1932 in Gracemont, Okla. the daughter of William Bartie and Mattie Mae Crawford Garrett. Joyce graduated from Mustang, Okla. High School in 1950. She was the salutatorian of her class and played basketball all four years. After graduation, she went to work for Bell South Telephone Company in Oklahoma City.

Joyce married Lester Dale Griffith on March 25, 1955 in Mustang, with her father officiating. They travelled the world for 22 years while Dale served in the U.S. Air Force. They settled in Mineola and lived there 48 years. She was active in the Pilot Club for years and followed the Mineola sports teams faithfully. They were married 67 years. Joyce lived in Clarksville for the last three years with Terri and Karl.

Joyce had four children: Weldon (Glenda) Griffith of Lohn, Mike (Karen) Griffith of Mineola, Terri (Karl) Saldana of Clarksville and Bob (Nicki) Griffith. She had nine grandchildren: Sara Saldana, Ashley Griffith, Lindsey (Justin) Blair, David (Emily) Saldana, Garrett Griffith, Katy Saldana, Finnegan Griffith, Ella Griffith and Ike Griffith. She had four great-grandchildren: Riley Blair, Ian Saldana, Jaxon Blair and Reece Saldana. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dale Griffith; her son, Bob Griffith; her parents Bartie and Mattie Mae Garrett; her brothers Elmer Garrett and Gene Garrett; and her sisters Beatrice Elliott and Bobbie Jo Myers.

Joyce’s memory will be cherished by her family, sister-in-law Betty Garrett, brother-in-law Bill Myers, as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.

Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola. Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.