Ms. Vivian Howard Griffin will be celebrating her 102^nd birthday July 5, 2023.

Born in Italy, Texas, Mother Griffin was a welder in the 1940s, domestic worker, nurse’s aide, and a pathologist assistant.

She has lived her faith in many ways.

She is a devout believer and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church; served over 14 years in St. John district association; became an evangelist in 1978 and attended Patten Bible College where she coordinated numerous activities.

In addition to training and mentoring young aspiring ministers, Mother Griffin was also a Sunday school superintendent, vacation Bible school directress, mission teacher and served on the mothers and deaconess boards.

She is a lifelong member of the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, American Gospel Singers Association local #3 and the Democratic Club.

Mother Griffin enjoys westerns and jigsaw and crossword puzzles. She also enjoys gospel music.

Mother Griffin is the mother of eight outstanding children including the late Sister Don Dugan, a well-known activist; Mother Mary Amos, a pillar of Allen Temple Baptist Church and Ladies in Red Crown Jewels; Patricia Quarry, the first woman street sweeper for Oakland; and Maxine Howard, renowned minister and gospel singer.

Mother Griffin has numerous grand-, great grand-, great-great grand- and great-great-great grandchildren.

Her favorite phrase is ‘Won’t He do it.’

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