Velma Thweatt Griffin

Mrs. Velma Thweatt Griffin of Dothan, formally of Esto, FL, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Westside Terrace.  She was 99.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25, at Esto Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Belcher officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory of Slocomb directing.

The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10:00 until service time.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Westside Terrace, 501 N. Woodburn Dr. Dothan, AL 36303.

Mrs. Griffin was born on March 19, 1914 in Freeport, FL to the late Lemuel and Jessie Mae Jacobs Thweatt. She was a 1931 graduate of Slocomb High School where she led the school’s basketball team to two state championships.  In addition, she worked as a policewoman at the Panama City Ship Yard in the 1940’s and served as the postmaster of Esto, Florida where she was affectionately known as “Big Mama”. Mrs. Griffin had a servant’s heart, personified Christ in her everyday life and was a charter member of Esto Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 65 years. She was a loving mother who adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Griffin enjoyed working in her garden and was very proud of her daylilies. She possessed an enthusiastic zeal for life and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, her husband, Clyde Griffin, brother, Frank Thweatt and sister, Odell Holt preceded her in death.

Survivors include two daughters: Dr. Judy Griffin Tomlin (James), Lake Martin and Charlotte Griffin Kelly (Billy), Dothan; four grandchildren: Chuck Tomlin (Patti), Fayetteville, GA, Cindy Tomlin Ayers (Jim), Peoa, UT, Beth Kelly Neal (Jonathan), Dothan and Neil Kelly, Dothan; seven great grandchildren: Lt. James Colby Tomlin (Amanda), Kelly Tomlin, Alex Tomlin, Jackson Ayers, Jordan Ayers, Griffin Leigh Neal and Carter Neal; one sister, Bonnie Mae “Jackie” Kinsaul, Dothan; nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.