Wesley Vernell Griffin was born on August 10th, 1936 to Abraham and Natha Little in Winston County, MS. She passed away peacefully at home in Warner Robins, GA on January 6th, 2022. Wesley was a twin and the 7th of 17 children. She had a varied work career, including being a licensed cosmetologist, working in claims and adjustments for the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, MI, and Rheem Manufacturing in Montgomery, AL, before retiring and returning to Battle Creek to care for her mother. She then lived in Woodbury, MN, helping to care for her great nieces and great nephew. She moved to Warner Robins, GA for warmer weather in 2018. Wesley had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh and easily made friends wherever she went. She was always ready for an adventure and enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. She started each day with a Bible devotion and prayer. She loved all children and served as a Sunday School teacher at Washington Heights United Methodist Church in Battle Creek, MI, and Camphor Memorial UMC in St. Paul, MN. She wanted all children to know the love of God. She often took her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews out on fun adventures and for ice cream. She loved getting people of all ages together to celebrate milestones, perform plays she had written, or just play cards. Wesley joins family members in heavenly rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Abraham and Natha Little, siblings Betty Rose, Nathaniel, Eppie Little, Mary Simmons, William (Fred) Little, twin sister Johnnie Sheppard, Dorris Muscadin, Helen Welch, Earl Little, Emma Randle, daughter Beverly and grandson/great-nephew Nathan Rosales. Wesley is survived by her son, Johnnie Griffin, grandchildren Janisia Felton, Johnnie Griffin Jr., and Kerri Griffin, great-grandchildren Johnnie Griffin III, Nylena Griffin, and Addie Griffin, siblings James (Idessa) Little, Annie Roxine Ware, Abraham (Alice) Little, Carol Mead, Natha Harris and Claude (Denise) Little, niece/daughter Monica Rosales, great nieces/granddaughters Victoria Rosales Little, Veronica Evans and Allison Evans, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Aunt Wesley was a SIL, friend and genuine sweetheart. I always looked forward to visiting her in Battle Creek, Woodbury when I visited Claude & Denise in Battle Creek; and Nicki and her kids in MN. I always made sure to spend time with Aunt Wesley who always delighted in making our visit joyful. On occasion, I'd surprise Aunt Wesley with a call just to say hello...like I was going to do the morning I got word of her passing. Aunt Wesley you will surely be missed but I know we will meet again in Glory. Rest well Auntie. Rest well. Peace & Love, Michelle Chisley, Capitol Heights, MD
I was saddened to hear of Aunt Wesley's sudden passing last week, but it also made me realize how connected she was to many "firsts" in my life. Getting my ears pierced at age nine - she did it with a sewing needle and ice cubes; buying my first car - my sis and I bought her white Gran Prix; and introducing me to Pistachio ice cream, which has been my lifelong favorite. Family get-togethers were always a blast with Auntie and her endless array of games. My favorites were the "White Elephant" sales! But the most vivid memories of Auntie involve Easter and the Easter program at church. I always seemed to get one of the longest, most difficult poems, and I was absolutely sure Auntie didn't like me until after the program when she'd hugged me and say, "See? I knew who to give that one to." It still makes me smile, and I know it would make her smile to know I haven't shut up since! Rest in peace, Auntie, and thank you. - Felicia Welch-Reevers, Tucson, Arizona
Aunt Wesley, Miss you and Love you very much. The Perry Family
I was around 12 years old when aunt Wesley would come pick me up on Saturdays. Sometimes we would go get something to eat or go shopping but we always ended up and her apartment for me to earn some money. Aunt Wesley was a secretary and Kellogg's and was always smartly dressed from her jewelry to her shoes. My job was to put everything back in place after her week of work, sometimes i would come across a piece of jewelry that i really liked and she would give it to me. She also taught me how to make pound cake on one of those Saturday's. Love you, your niece, Edith Welch.
Rest peacefully Aunt Wesley you've earned your rest. Elder Timothy O. Sheppard Gainesville, Ga
Aunt Wesley, God plucked you from his bouquet 💐 Enjoy your peace with Him!
Aunt Wesley, You were a true and genuine spirit that always showed our family love. You made ever interaction a positive, love felt , wisdom based interaction. We will miss that kind of love here on earth from you but we will continue to live the amazing faith driven love that you always spoke about and lived. We love you auntie! Love Lil Ronald, Edwina , Da'Kiya, De'Siya and Roy Perry
Aunt Wesley,
You were a true and genuine spirit that always showed our family love. You made ever interaction a positive, love felt , wisdom based interaction. We will miss that kind of love here on earth from you but we will continue to live the amazing faith driven love that you always spoke about and lived. We love you auntie!
To all of us who knew Ms. Wesley, she was a true friend of God. She loved her church and was an active member. I am so glad that I had the pleasure of talking with her just a day before she passed. She was so happy and grateful to God. Now she is with Him in Paradise.
Beverley Oliver Hawkins; St Paul, MN; and Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church United Methodist Women
To all of us who knew Ms. Wesley, she was a true friend of God. She loved her church and was an active member. I am so glad that I had the pleasure of talking with her just a day before she passed. She was so happy and grateful to God. Now she is with Him in Paradise.
Beverley Oliver Hawkins; St Paul, MN; and Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church United Methodist Women
Miss Wesley's light truly shone to all that she came in contact with. Her beautiful smile was second only to her beautiful spirit. Miss Wesley had such a heart for service . I will remember her smile always . I pray for the strength and peace of God for her entire family. Miss Wesley will be truly missed, I have faith that she is resting in the Lord. Linda Clay
'Til we meet again at Jesus' feet. God be with you, my dear Sister-in-love, Aunt Wesley, and friend. I've known you as an example to women everywhere. You cared for family and you suffered silently. I admired you and you always shined. God be with you until we meet again. Lovingly, Darlene Chisley Silas
To Ms Wesley's family. May you feel God's presence and love during this time of loss. Ms Wesley was special. She will be greatly missed. She will always be in our hearts. Reverend Gloria Roach Thomas Minneapolis, Minnesota
To Ms Wesley's family. May you feel God's presence and love during this time of loss. Ms Wesley was special. She will be greatly missed. She will always be in our hearts. Reverend Gloria Roach Thomas Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aunt Wesley you were very dear to my heart. I am going to miss you and your beautiful smile you always had. Love Cynthia (Hayes) Little ❤
Aunt Wesley, I love you so much and I will miss you dearly. I remember when we were at my Dear Granny's (Luci's) Celebration of Life Services and you admired the shoes I had on and I took them off and gave them to you, You were so happy, and to see that Beautiful smile on your face made all worth it. Rest in Heaven Aunt Wesley.....
My Aunt Wesley was a warrior for God Almighty. Like many of us she faced her physical and emotional challenges which can leave physical and mental scars. However, she never allowed them to hold her for long. She would persevere regardless of the odds sit before her. For the race is not given to the swift nor the battle to the strong...but to those who endures to the end (Ecc 9:11). Casting Crowns wrote a song, titled , "Scars in Heaven" to remind us all that the only scars in heaven which we will endure and adore will be seen on the hands of our Lord and Savor hands which are holding you now. Aunt Wesley your family and friends will miss you, yet we will see you again. Love Gwenie
Wesley was such a special person and was loved by all at First United Methodist in Warner Robins. She was a blessing to us all. A true servant of God.
Mary Davidson
We celebrate Wesley Griffin's legacy of dedicated service to Washington Heights United Methodist Church. We also give thanks for her love and friendship to the Bullock family. Vidette and Chad Bullock
Wesley, will be greatly missed by her friends at First United Methodist Church of Warner Robins. She was a delightful and lovely friend. I think of Wesley each time I use the Bible she gave me several years ago. Rest In Peace friend. Emily Dennis
What a beautiful and exemplary life Ms. Wesley Griffin lived. There's no doubt she will be sorely missed by her family, friends and loved ones. My sincere condolences to the family. Rest in heavenly peace, Ms. Griffin. Ruthie Mitchell
Wesley always called me her "Little Angel". I will miss her calls and cards. Love you forever and always, Sis.
Auntie I'll always remember you as the planner of the family reunion events, from plays, choir, dance off you were the one that kept up laughing. You will be missed. Rest Auntie in Jesus Arms Your niece Phyllis
Wesley became my "chocolate sister" from the moment we met in Battle Creek. Susanne and I were leading the youth of our Milwaukee area UM Church, and Wesley was the first at Washington Heights to sweep all of us into her life. All the while we were there and for decades after whether in MI, WI, AL, or MN, we regularly visited in each others' homes, exchanged gifts, cards, letters, emails and long phone calls sharing our joys, sorrows and faith in countless ways. Faith in a loving God was our centerpoint. Wesley's infectious laugh, deep soul, full life and above all powerful faith are embedded in us. Her spirit lives in each member of this family!
Bill, Susanne, David and Jackie Gay, Alissa, Bradd, Darren and Zach Mosal.
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