Griffin, Hazel Mae (Carter) 1914-2007

GRIFFIN, CARTER, SHERIFF

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/3/2008 at 20:42:17

Hazel Mae Carter was born on March 2, 1914, in Miami, Iowa. She was one of ten children born to Bertha Sedella Sheriff and Ora Clyde Carter. Hazel grew up in the Monroe County area. On June 24, 1933, Hazel Mae Carter married Earl Fremont Griffin. To this union three children were born.

Hazel and Earl spent their early years farming in Monroe County. Hazel graduated from Indian Hills Community College with a degree in Nursing. In 1962, Earl and Hazel moved to Knoxville and purchased a 20 bed nursing home which they operated for four years. In 1966, they built Griffin Nursing Center, a 50 bed facility at 606 N. Seventh St. in Knoxville. It has grown to a 95 bed nursing and rehabilitation center today.

Hazel was an energetic person with varied interests. Her life was devoted to giving the best possible care to the elderly who could no long care for themselves. Beyond her career, Hazel had many consuming interests. She was an excellent chef. A meal at her table was always a delight. Not only was Hazel an avid gardener but she also canned and froze much of her homegrown produce. Hazel was a talented musician and played the piano, harmonica and guitar. She was also a voracious read and did word puzzles in her spare time. Hazel's most noteworthy quality was her love of people and her willingness to serve them. Her philanthropic motto was, "Do your giving while you are living and then you will be knowing where it is going."

Hazel passed away on March 16, 2007, in Pella at the age of 93.

Survivors include her three children, Jim Griffin and his wife, Betty Jo of Fort Worth, Texas, Shirley Griffin Eivins of Knoxville and Marvin Griffin and his wife, Nel of Staunton, Va.; two sisters, Doris Morgan of Albia and Velta Martin of Moravia; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on March 24 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Knoxville with Pastors Steve Vail and Jeremiah Smart officiating. Pastor Stan Teller and Chaplain Bill Lane also assisted with the service. Interment was in Oak View Cemetery in Albia.

Memorials in memory of Hazel may be made to the Voice of Prophecy Radio and Television Ministry.

The Knoxville Journal Express, March 30, 2007