Jerry Ann Wright Griffin's Obituary
On August 30, 2025, we said goodbye to a remarkable woman, Jerry Ann Griffin, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Born on August 7, 1937, in Kemp, Texas, Jerry lived a life full of love, laughter, and a bit of mischief. Although she lived in Houston for more than 60 years, she spent her final years in Atascocita, Texas, surrounded by the family and friends she cherished so dearly.
Jerry's life was filled with rich experiences and achievements. As the daughter of William Floyd and Ruby Charlene Wright, Jerry grew up with a strong sense of family, a value she carried throughout her life. She married the love of her life, James Donald Griffin, in 1957 and together they built a life filled with joy and adventure. Though preceded in death by husband Don, her parents, baby Rebecca, step-son Jerry D., sisters Barbara, Nancy, and Mary, Jerry Ann's spirit remains forever vibrant in the memories of those she left behind.
An avid Houston Astros fan, Jerry's passion for baseball was unmatched. She meticulously noted game stats for years, a testament to her dedication and love for the sport. Her admiration for monarch butterflies was equally passionate/intense, often enlisting her daughter Stacey in the panicked quest for ample milkweed during migration season.
Though Jerry's professional career spanned many diverse opportunities, her favorite professional role was buying fire trucks and other equipment for Exxon refineries across the U.S. She proudly earned her degree in her late 40’s, embodying the belief that it's never too late to learn and improve oneself.
Known for her hospitality, Jerry could always be counted on to offer a Coca-Cola to anyone who visited, a small gesture that spoke volumes about her generous spirit. Her culinary skills were legendary, especially her award-winning shrimp potato salad, a dish that graced many family gatherings. You were in for a real treat when she would make that for a special meal.
Fishing in many locations was one of Jerry's favorite pastimes, and she was renowned for spinning a whopper of a fishing tale while preparing an excellent fish fry. Though she enjoyed travel, her ideal vacation involved relaxing on the sofa with a John Wayne movie.
Jerry's zest for adventure extended to her love of fast cars (ask Stacey about the “tank” in the 70’s), hunting and fishing with Don and her role as a Girl Scout Leader, where she inspired many young girls with her adventurous spirit. Kind, loving, protective, with a sprinkling of good-natured mischief, Jerry was a great listener and a steadfast supporter of all those around her. Through the confusion of the spelling of her name, she had many funny stories about being invited to join Boy Scouts, getting kicked out of Boy’s gym class, being drafted and even getting her job at Exxon.
Survived by daughter Stacey, sister Edna, close family friend Carole, sister Janice, step-daughter Judy, as well as nieces Angie (Mary), Hailey, and Olivia plus nephews Joe (Melisa), Dalton and Greyson, Jerry's legacy of kindness, warmth and generosity will continue to shine brightly through the next generations.
Jerry Ann Griffin will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Her infectious spirit, love for life, and dedication to family and friends leave a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to have known her. As we remember Jerry, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of joy, wisdom, laughter, and love. May we honor her memory by continuing to share a Coca-Cola, a delicious meal, and a good-natured story, just as Jerry would have wanted.
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