Elsie Scott Griffin, 85, passed away Monday morning, Oct. 17, 2016 in Franklin. She was born in Washington, D.C. to John O. and Marie W. Scott who preceded her in death.  

Elsie was a long time resident of Isle of Wight County.  Growing up in Franklin, where her father managed the Cypress Cove Country Club, she became an avid golfer.  She graduated from Franklin High School in 1949. In 1952, she married Bernard S. Griffin Jr. and moved to Smithfield.  As a farmer’s wife and homemaker, she raised her two boys and shared the award of Outstanding Farm Family of Virginia in 1963 and 1964.  For the next 30 years she managed Smithfield Finance Company and grew to know the community well.  

She retired, cared for her grandchildren, and took part-time work at Ashton Galleries and East West Realty where her personality earned her a Smithfield Hospitality Heroes award. Elsie was a friend to everyone, and her stories of Smithfield were enjoyed by all.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Griffin, and siblings John Scott Jr. (“Buddy”), Beryl “Hope” Wright, William T. Scott (“Billy”) and recent fiancé, Romie W. Hancock Jr. 

Elsie leaves to cherish her memories, sister Shirley H. Osborn; sons, “Griz” Bernard S. Griffin III (Linda), Clay H. Griffin (Nancy); four grandchildren, Courtney G. Dortch, (Travis), Kevin W. Griffin, Erin G. Thacker (Brett) and William C. Griffin; great-grandchildren, Emerson L. Dortch and Reed H. Thacker; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be Saturday Oct. 22, 5-7 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home.

Services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Smithfield on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. and the graveside service will follow at St. Luke’s Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad and Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department.