Barbara A. Griffin, age 88, of Monroe, died Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Monroe Health Services. Barbara was born on June 12, 1934 in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Charles O. and Capitola B. (Mitchell) Griffin. She graduated from Fayette, Ohio High School in 1952 and attended Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA where she earned a degree in social work. She enlisted in the United States Navy in 1953 and retired in 1976 as a Master Chief Petty Officer. Throughout her career she was stationed in Pearl Harbor, San Francisco, and Norfolk, VA. She worked as a physical trainer, motion picture projection assistant, and an instructor for ship and aircraft weapons and equipment. Much of her career was geared toward counseling of Navy personnel. As a Navy recruiter in Boston, Barbara was advanced to Master Chief Personnelman, one of seven women in that rating to achieve the top enlisted grade. She was a sports fanatic and competed on women’s softball and basketball teams within the Navy. Following her retirement, she opened up a ceramic shop in Stoughton, MA. She was in business for almost 30 years and used her store as a tool to counsel children who couldn’t afford to see an actual therapist. She has resided in Monroe since 2006. She was a charter member of W.I.M.S.A. and Waves National.
She is survived by a brother, Marvin (Betty) Griffin of Niles, Michigan; sister-in-law, Kathleen Griffin of Virginia Beach, VA; eight nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Richard Griffin and David (Marsha) Griffin; and a sister, Sharron (Richard) Broyles.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Monroe United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Meyer officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund will be established in Barbara’s name. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
