Margaret Jane Crowley Griffin

Margaret “Janie” Crowley Griffin, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at The Bridges of Hendricks in Tarboro, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Osman; step-father, Bert Osman; husband, William Griffin; sisters, Kathy Meadows and Nancy Lawson; and grandchildren, Bart Griffin and Bobby Levijoki.

She is survived by a loving family including her daughter, Donna Levijoki and husband, Rob of Rocky Mount; sons, Jeff “Bo” Griffin of Nashville, Brian James Griffin of Florida and David Griffin; brothers, George Meadows (Carolyn) of Arkansas, Steve Meadows (Cherie) and Jimmy Osman, all of West Virginia; sisters, Susie Cowdrey (Tom) of Virginia, Pat Pratt (Don) of Georgia, Vick Sampson, and Mary Williams, both of West Virginia; grandchildren, Lauren Levijoki (Aaron Newman), Allison Levijoki, and David Wayne Griffin; great-grandson, Jayden Newman; special cousins, Maxine Wisehart (Doyle) and Wayne and Eyvonne Greene; longtime friend, Evelyn Braswell; along with several nieces and nephews.

Janie grew up in Charleston, West Virginia as the firstborn of 10 children. She loved school although she quit as a teenager to help take care of her siblings. Determined to graduate, she went back in the 1980’s and got her GED and did a cartwheel in the front yard to celebrate. She also loved her cousins and babysat them from time to time. Her cousin Maxine was like her best friend–they spent a lot of time together.

She met her husband William Griffin in Charleston when he traveled there for work. They got married there and eventually moved to Enfield for 10 years until finally settling in Rocky Mount. Sometimes known to work three jobs at a time, Janie held many positions in many places including: Big Treat & Rose’s in Enfield, Rocky Mount City Schools Cafeteria (DS Johnson School), Pizza Inn, and lastly, Hunter Hill Laundry. In 1995 she was diagnosed with (AML) leukemia; she fought hard and with the Lord’s blessing, went into remission in 1997. With that and severe degenerative arthritis and multiple surgeries, she was unable to return to work. She did however sit with loved ones of friends to keep them company. Janie had strong faith and in her early years attended Servants Heart Fellowship. She then attended Union Missionary Baptist Church, especially enjoying Sunday School until she was physically unable. She loved helping others when she could. She especially loved helping with her grandkids, both 4-legged and 2-leg kind! Janie was a true example of determination and unwavering love and she will be dearly missed!

Donna stuck by, protected, loved, provided and cared for her Mama through the Grace of God with the help of her husband, daughters and cousin, Eyvonne. It takes a village and in these villages are angels; there are so many that have guided, loved, cared for, protected, and hugged mama and myself. In the medical field, in any capacity, you develop a relationship of trust, care, and connection, friendship and even a closeness. We have experienced all of these on this three plus year journey. God has truly blessed us. They have given with all of their hearts. A special thanks to Dr. Doug Boyette and staff of UNC Nash Hospice, the awesome staff from The Gardens of Nashville Assisted Living was a true answered prayer, and The Bridges of Hendricks Creek for their outstanding care and compassion shown to our family.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 20, 2022 from 5:00PM to 7:30PM at the Salvation Army Church, 1000 Hunter Hill Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. A graveside service will follow at 11:00AM on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4454 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.