Lillian Shirley Helms Griffin

Lillian “Shirley” Helms Griffin was born July 12, 1930 in Unionville, NC to Ollie Byrum Helms and Roy Penay Helms. She took her last breath peacefully and completed the purpose God had given to her on August 30, 2018 in the Town of Lake Park, NC.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00PM on Monday, September 3, 2018, in the Dogwood Room at Davis Funeral Service, 1003 E Franklin St., Monroe, NC 28112.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, 6401 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215. Interment will be held immediately following the service at Sharon Memorial Park.

On January 26, 1947, Shirley married Thomas Edward Griffin, the love of her life. They made their home in Charlotte and later in Matthews, NC where they raised their two children. They were married for 65 years before Tom’s passing in 2012.

Shirley lived her life in the most positive way.  She saw the good in everything and encouraged others to do the same. Her actions and the incredible example that she showed her children and grandchildren are behaviors that should be emulated by all of us.  She was a true role model.

She was a generous, loving, supportive and unselfish woman who always put other people first.  One would never leave her home without a home cooked meal, fresh vegetables from her garden, or something she had canned.  If ever there was a green thumb, it was Shirley.

She adored her grandchildren; Victoria, Stephanie, Meredith and Kristin.  Shirley was placed into time-out more times than the grandchildren because of her sassy spirit.  It is evident these four apples did not fall far from the tree.  Each one of them had a special bond and connection with her.

Shirley was proud of her work with the Charlotte Police Department, Kmart and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, where she proudly served as a sworn deputy sheriff until her retirement. She was also a member with the Mizpah Chapter #36 of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years.

She is survived by her children, son Larry Griffin (Sandy), and daughter Sheila Mull (Steven); her siblings Julia Cox, and Lynda Foster (Carroll); her granddaughters who she lovingly referred to as her “baby dolls”, Victoria Hollingsworth Davis (Craig), Stephanie Griffin, Meredith Griffin and Kristin Mull.

Preceding her in death is her husband, Tom; her parents, Ollie and Roy Helms; siblings, Sidney Helms, Edith Greene, and Nell Stegall.

The family wishes to extend a special appreciation to Nurse Lorraine Ramos and CNA Susan Robinson of Lake Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who selflessly assisted in Shirley’s final hours, and to Nurse Alecia McFaulds and the Charlotte Hospice Team. 

Davis Funeral Service is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Griffin. An online register book is available to sign at www.davisfuneralservice.com

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