Hazel Maxine Griffin

Hazel Maxine Griffin, youngest daughter of the late William O. Stewart and Minnie Lucinda (Hazelrig) Stewart, was born March 19, 1936, in Buckhorn, Missouri where she grew up in her parents’ grocery, gas and feed business. Hazel graduated from Waynesville High School. Hazel met a young man that had come to the Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to work in the Mess Halls on post. His name was Billy “Junior” Griffin. They were united in marriage on February 7, 1952, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, which was Junior’s hometown. They were blessed with two boys: Ronald Junior Griffin and David Lynn Griffin. Hazel and Junior made their home in Waynesville for all their married life except for 2 ½ years spent in Great Bend, Kansas. Hazel and Junior served for many years in church; first at Buckhorn Christian Church (formerly Pleasant Grove) and then at First Christian Church of Waynesville. Junior served as a trustee and Hazel as a Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and Youth Program teacher; Ladies Circle and wherever needed. Hazel was a hard worker. She was a demonstrator and sales manager for Stanley Home Products for over 40 years and worked 10 active years in real estate with ReMax Realty. The Griffins, especially Hazel, were always helping others and were very involved in their community. All their married life they helped those less fortunate than themselves and made the area a better place to live, from 4H, Scouts, assisting in the first “Well Baby Clinic”, helping start and serving as Officers in the Civil Air Patrol (Air Force Auxiliary) for 12 years, Red Cross Disaster and Blood Programs, and providing a “Safe House” for victims of domestic violence. Hazel also helped establish the Good Samaritan Center and the Shelter for victims of domestic violence in Pulaski County and served as first director and shelter manager as a volunteer. She also served on the committee in establishing the Birthright Emergency Pregnancy Center in Waynesville and served as the volunteer director and helped with Habitat for Humanity. And through all this Junior assisted her and was supportive. A few years ago, Hazel received a plaque and gold coin for the Jefferson Award for Volunteerism. Hazel went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, December 23, 2023 in the Life Care Center of Waynesville, Missouri having attained the age of 87 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Hazel leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Ronnie Griffin of Crocker, MO; her sister, Betty Pritchett-Atterberry of Waynesville, MO; four grandchildren: Ronald Junior Griffin II (Stacy) of Clearfield, UT, Heather Ripley (John) of Big Rock, TN, David Lynn Griffin Jr. (Kim) of Winter Springs, FL, and Nicole Parciak (Jeremy) of Camdenton, MO; nine great grandchildren: Lilyanna, Adrianna, Phoenix, Jonathan, Jordan, Riley, Cody, Kacie, and Taylor; one great-great grandson: Alyis; daughters-in-law: Barbara Griffin of Osage Beach, MO and Maria Griffin of Camdenton, MO; as well as a host of other family members, relatives, and many friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Hazel was preceded in death by son: David Griffin; one grandchild: Hollis Garrett; two great grandsons: Jacob and Jeremiah Griffin; one daughter-in-law: Brenda Griffin; six siblings: Junior, Buster, Virgil, Glen, Elva, and Robert “Bob”. Even though she is gone from our sight, Hazel’s tenacity and hard work will live on in our hearts forever. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Hazel Griffin to the Idumea Cemetery Fund and may be left at the funeral home.

Hazel Maxine Griffin

March 19, 1936 - December 23, 2023