Roosevelt Griffin Sr., 1933-2019

Mr. Griffin was born Oct. 3, 1933, in Tallassee, Ala., a son of Artis Sr. and Elizabeth Stowvall Griffin.

Deacon Griffin was a man who loved the Lord with all his heart. He and his wife Elaine joined New Hope Baptist Church in 1963 under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. David Cox. He was a faithful and active member of the church, where he was later ordained a deacon under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Joe Bankston. He sang with the Gospel Chorus for many years. He continued his active service under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Kevin Crum until illness prevented him from being active.

He worked hard to provide for his family and was employed for more than 37 years at Youngstown Sheet & Tube Steel mill, which later became LTV Steel. There were times he even walked to work in order to provide for his family. He was very involved in the caretaking of his mother-in-law, the Rev. Bernice Henderson, who was like a mother to him. He made such a positive impact in the lives of so many people. He was a father and mentor to so many people, especially to the young men. His passion was singing and he used his God-given anointed gift from an early age until his health declined and he was no longer able to sing. He traveled near and far singing with various quartet groups, including The Guiding Lights, The Crump Brothers, The Griffin Singers, The Galatian Gospel Singers and the Christian All Stars of Akron, Ohio.

He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his wife of 60 years, the former Elaine Henderson; five children, Linda “Bird” Griffin-Johnson of Rochester, N.Y., Darlene E. Griffin, Roosevelt Jr. “Junior” (Heather) Griffin and Isaac D. Griffin all of Youngstown, and Darrell (Lydia) Hopkins of Stanford, Va., goddaughter, Valarie E. Carter of Campbell; sister, Barbara (David) Jackson of Connecticut.; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other godchildren, adopted sons and daughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Valarie Snardon; four brothers, Artis Jr., Quincy, Charles “Larry” Griffin and Thomas Harris Jr.; two brother-in-laws, Timothy Henderson and Rosevelt Raine; sister-in-law, Delores A. Raine; mother-in-law, the Rev. Bernice Henderson; and father-in-law, Timothy Theodore Henderson.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, at New Hope Baptist Church. Friends may call one hour prior to the service, 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Also a Musical Sing-Out will be 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, at the church.

Arrangements were entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)

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