Margaret Griffin

Margaret Ellenberg Griffin, fondly known as sweetheart, Mama, Nana, and “Aunt Margaret”, was a guiding light and pillar of strength to everyone she encountered. Margaret was born on January 3, 1937, to Eula Mae Cooper Ellenberg and WB “Bernice” Ellenberg in Brooks County, Georgia. She was the youngest of 5 children: 2 brothers and 2 sisters. These 5 children were not only siblings but lifelong friends. They enjoyed nothing better than being together and a good game of setback. It was with gentle spirit and tender guidance that she left a timeless mark on everyone who was privileged to know her. After living life abundantly, Margaret went to be with her Lord on July 31, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family in her home on Ellenberg Road.

Margaret was a 1955 graduate of Morven High School, where she enjoyed playing basketball, going to dances, frequenting “the picture show”, and going to church. Margaret met James Griffin at Morven, and they began to date in their senior year of school. On February 23, 1957, Margaret and her “Griff” married and spent the next 68 years together. They enjoyed many happy and fulfilling times, as well as many struggles and heartaches. Through it all, their love for each other remained strong and steadfast. Together Margaret and Griff raised a family of 2 boys and 1 girl: Bruce, Tammy, and Tim. Margaret was a devoted wife and mother who always strived to live a life that was honoring to God. She instilled her love of God, faith, and the importance of family to her children and grandchildren.

Margaret was an active member of Providence Community Church where she served selflessly for more than 70 years. She loved to sing in the choir, roll out peach tarts for the ladies annual fundraiser, and was sure to try and sell you a Boston Butt ticket for the men’s club each year. She dearly loved her church family and always greeted everyone with a smile and a hug.

Despite living with illness for the last several years, Margaret never lost her positivity and her love of serving others. In fact, her family’s favorite Christmas gift was Nana’s homemade mayhaw jelly. Whether she was strategizing over Rummikub, creaming corn, or playing a game of cards, there were always conversations to be had and lessons to be learned. Margaret showed her love to others by always lending a listening ear, offering words of wisdom, and never allowing anyone to leave her presence without a full belly.

Margaret leaves behind a heritage of steadfast devotion that will be lived on through her beloved husband James “Griff”, and their children Bruce Griffin (Jeannie), Tammy Jones (Jamie), and Tim Griffin (Trina). Her grandchildren, Michelle Valdez (Jorge), Chad Griffin (April), Ashley Waller (Brent), Clay Griffin, Kyle Griffin, Jamie Griffin, and Drew Duren (Ashley), as well as her great grandchildren Chasity, Ansley, Chandler, and Stetsyn Griffin, Rebecca Valdez, Peyton and Harper Waller, Grady and Maggie Duren and Kylie Corbett who will remember their Nana as a dedicated servant of the Lord who exuded love and kindness, while always having a smile on her face. Margaret is also survived by numerous nieces/nephews, a multitude of extended family members, and her brothers and sisters in Christ. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Bernice & Eula Mae Ellenberg; sisters, Jeanette Faucette and Betty Cooper; her brothers, Billy and Ronald Ellenberg, son-in law, Pate Duren, and great grandson, Logan Nowell.

A funeral service for Margaret will be held at 3p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Providence Community Church. Pastor Rodney Tenery will officiate. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 2-3 p.m.

If you would like to make a monetary donation in Margaret’s honor, the family has requested it be made to Pruitt Hospice of Valdosta, who served the family with Godly compassion and kindness.

Online condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home