TRIBUTE TO LATE BARBARA ANN KELLEY GRIFFIN
WHEREAS, Barbara Ann Kelley Griffin, a most beloved citizen, remarkable musician and member of her community in Chicago's west side, was called home on August 23, 2013, by our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her transition by the Honorable Walter Burnett, Alderman of the 27th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Barbara was born on July 15,1933 to, she was destined even then to be someone the world would come to know as a child musical prodigy; and
WHEREAS, Barbara's formal education began at the Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School. She continued her educational journey at John Marshall High School where she was a member of the high school choir and an active member of Marshall's volleyball and baseball teams. After graduating with high honors from Marshall H.S., Barbara began her college matriculation at the Chicago Teachers College (now Chicago State University), earning a Bachelor of Education Degree on June 15,1954; and
WHEREAS, Barbara married Reverend Dr. Arthur Dedrick Griffin Sr. on August 24,1952, Barbara and Arthur
created a Christian home and were blessed with two beautiful children, a daughter, Rachel Louise and a son, Arthur Dedrick Griffin Jr. They shared 56 years of glorious matrimony until his death in December, 2008; and
WHEREAS, In November, 1957, her husband. Reverend Dr. Arthur D. Griffin Sr. became pastor of Mozart Baptist Church (now First Baptist Congregational) and Barbara became "First Lady". As first lady she continued her work in the music ministry of the church. She was the choir director for many years and played the organ for the Gospel and Sanctuary choirs. She served for over 50 years with the music ministry ofthe church, giving unselfishly of her time and talent.
WHEREAS, Barbara faithfully served by her husband's side as first lady until his retirement in 2003, when she then became "First Lady Emeritus". She was a woman of God who demonstrated great faith and wisdom. She was one who always had an encouraging word, a great sense of humor and an humble spirit all encompassed in that beautiful, radiant smile; and
WHEREAS, She leaves memories in the hearts of two children, daughter, Rachel, Columbia, MO and a son, Arthur Jr. (Tamara) Griffin, one granddaughter, Lauren Ann Nicole Griffin, all of Chicago, IL. Two brothers, Preston (Doris) Kelley Jr., Apple Valley, CA., Dr. Leon Ray (Jewel) Kelley, San Diego, CA., one sister, Linda Alexander, Lubbock, TX. Sisters in law; Mildred Kelly, Margaret Griffin, Rosemary Griffin, cousin, Mattie Robertson, God Son, Oliver (Ruby Jean) Kelly, best friend of 37 years, Jannie Evans, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the First Baptist Congregational Church family; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council gathered here this eleventh day of September 2013, do hereby express our heartfelt sorrow upon hearing the news of Barbara Ann Kelley Griffin's passing and offer our best wishes that their grief will soon be replaced by the warmth of her memory.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Barbara