Glenda King Griffin

Glenda Ophelia King Griffin, 77, a native of Summertown and formerly of Columbia, died Saturday, August 6, 2016 at her residence in Carrick Glen Senior Living in Wilson County.Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 13, 2016, at 1:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Vassar officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. and Saturday from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Interment will be Sunday, August 21, 2016, at 2:00 P.M. in Lawrence County Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.Born November 28, 1938 in Summertown, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late William Howard King and the late Lillian Dale Dyar King. On June 16, 1956, she married Leoma native Revel Wayne Griffin, who preceded her in death June 26, 1980. Mrs. Griffin was a 1956 graduate of Summertown High School. Mrs. Griffin began her career in 1966 at the U.S. Army Missile Intelligence Agency at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. She retired in 1997 as the Deputy Chief of Staff in Intelligence for the U.S. Army Laboratory Command in Adelphi, Maryland. Throughout her career, Mrs. Griffin was recognized many times for her notable contributions to our nation's security. In 1989, she was selected into the Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame. Mrs. Griffin had made her home in Huntsville, Alabama and Greenbelt, Maryland, before returning to Middle Tennessee in 1997 to enjoy her retirement. She volunteered her time as a docent at the Nashville Parthenon and was a member of Columbia Rotary Club. Mrs. Griffin was an active member of Pleasant Heights Baptist Church.Above all things, Mrs. Griffin was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister who passes on the greatest legacy of all -- her uncompromising integrity, character and passion for life. She was integral to the lives of her loved ones whom she nurtured and protected. She will be missed and cherished for her generous and abiding love. Survivors include her daughters, Christi Diane Griffin (Russell Neal) of Mt. Juliet and Sharon Griffin (Ivan) Monterroza of Old Hickory; sisters, Faye Painter of Tullahoma, Mary Fleeman and Sue Parsons, both of Pulaski; grandchildren, Danielle Griffin, Riley Griffin, Benjamin Monterroza, Lillian Monterroza; and daughter-in-law, Genie Griffin of Huntsville.She was preceded in death by her son, Donald Wayne Griffin; and a daughter, Carole Ann Griffin. The family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to Carrick Glen Senior Living and Gentiva Hospice for their love and kindness; and Rev. Bob Vassar and Pleasant Heights Baptist Church for their continued prayers and support for Mrs. Griffin.