Virda Griffin
With profound joy and hearts full of love, we celebrate the life and homegoing of Virda “Mae Mae” Griffin, who earned her heavenly wings and entered eternal rest on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 4:14 AM in Los Angeles, California. She was 85 years old.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, on August 27, 1939, Virda Mae lived a life anchored in unwavering faith and unconditional love. The first-born child of Priscilla Mayetta Spivey and Dave Bean, Virda was nurtured as a young girl by a family that loved and cherished her uniqueness. Because of this, she was able to cultivate her love for the arts and nature. She continued her creativity throughout high school, creating drawings and making clothes. After graduating from Charlton Pollard High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Riley Griffin, Jr., and joined him at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA. Here is where they created what she affectionately called the “Black Brady Bunch”—three sons: Riley III, Eric Anthony, and Dave Amory, and three daughters: Terri Ann, Cheryl Annette, and Melendy Angelique. After her family moved to San Diego, she lovingly welcomed her youngest son, Terail DeShawn Hall.
Chosen by the Lord at a young age, Virda Mae walked closely with Him all the days of her life. As a matriarch and prayer warrior, she poured her life into her family and those she met along her journey. Even now, her prayers are still moving mountains.
Virda Mae loved her family, and it showed. You could taste the love in every meal she cooked and feel the warmth and a spirit of welcome in every room she decorated. Her home was full of music and creativity. Her kitchen was a sacred place where food was ministry, and everyone loved her cooking.
As a longtime resident of San Diego and interior designer by nature, she has decorated many homes, churches, and storefronts. Virda Mae saw beauty in everything. As an artist, she could take the simplest things—an empty laundry soap box or a scrap of fabric—and turn them into something new and beautiful. Her hands created, her heart inspired, and her spirit uplifted all who crossed her path.
One of her favorite sayings, “STAY FOCUSED,” reminds us to stay the course and keep our eyes on the prize, no matter how tough the situation may become. She wanted us to know that the reward is given to those who finish the race. She believed in perseverance, in finishing what God had called you to do. And finish she did—with grace, strength, and dignity. She fought the good fight…she finished the race….she kept the faith.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, Riley Griffin, Jr.; her granddaughter, Chante Laster, her dedicated son- in- law, Michael “Pee” Baham; and her beloved daughter, Cheryl Annette Laster-Behn and other family members that welcomed her into glory.
She leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters, Terri Ann Beckham and Melendy Angelique Baham; her sons, Riley Griffin III, Eric Anthony Griffin, Dave Amory Griffin, and Terail DeShawn Hall; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends who became family along the way.
Though we recognize her physical absence, we rejoice knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). She now rests in glory, and her spirit lives on in each of us.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor her by supporting those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Donations may be made in her name at her personal link below to Alzheimer’s San Diego:
Or by mail or phone at:
3635 Ruffin Rd, Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858.492.4400