Joan Griffith

Miriam “Joan” Griffith, age 86, passed away on June 27, 2026. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 6, 1940, to James and Edith Perry.

Joan met William “Perry” Griffith while he was in the Navy stationed in Jacksonville, and they were married in 1958. They moved around the states during his military career in both the Navy and later in the Air Force, finally settling in Texas, first in Beaumont then in Lumberton where they lived for almost 50 years. She attended Lamar University in 1981 while raising her two sons, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with “Highest Honors”. Subsequently she taught at Lumberton High School and Buna High School for about 20 years.

Devout members of the Assemblies of God Church, Joan and Perry decided to move to China as full-time missionaries for two years in the 1990s. They fell in love with China and the people. It was an enriching and educational experience for both.

Left to cherish her memory are two sons; Jeffery Perry Griffith, wife Ellen and James Michael Griffith, wife Julia; grandsons Bryan Griffith and Matthew Grivalsky; sister Sara Perry Heath; cousin and lifelong best friend Barbara Wilkinson Walter.

Preceding her in death are her parents and her sister Elizabeth Ann Perry Wilde.

Joan's life honoring memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S Main St. Lumberton, TX 77657.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested for one of Joan’s favorite charities: Pleasant Hills Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1177, Fairfax TX 75840, or pleasanthillschildrenshome.org

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