Mary Evelyn Griffin, age 87 passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Quinlan, Texas.
Mary was born on Wednesday, July 24, 1935, in Ft. Worth, Texas to Edwin Cummins Shaw and Evelyn Louise Penrose Shaw. She attended University of Texas in Austin for Journalism and English, Collin County Community College, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. Mary served proudly in the U.S. Navy from April 26, 1954, to November 4, 1954. She married Richard C. Ayers on September 11, 1954, later divorced in 1971, then married her late husband Billie Griffin on April 17, 1972. During her lifetime she was an Executive Secretary, and later became a substitute Teacher in the Texas Public School System. Mary volunteered at Manna Center in Siloam Springs, AR. Mary enjoyed her bible studies, reading, journalism, sewing, gardening, cooking, bird watching, singing, and dancing.
Mary is survived by her son, Richard C Ayers Jr. of Huntsville, AL, longtime companion and caregiver Ginnie Perry, step-son Billie M. Griffin Jr. of Lake Stevens, WA., daughter Lori Anne Polk and husband Stephen of Quinlan, brother Charles Shaw and wife Rita of Bartlett, TN., brother-in-law Randall Nix of Gentry, AR. Grandchildren, Jennifer Palmer- Clark, Mark Polk, Angela Polk, Joshua Polk, great-grandchildren Kenny, Christopher, Courtney, Miranda, Edwin, Brianna, Destiny, Haylee, and Connor.
She was preceded in death by her father Edwin Cummins Shaw, mother Evelyn Louise Draper, brother Harvey Eugene Draper, sister Anne Lynette Nix, great grandparents Chester and Nellie Penrose, and stepfather John Draper.
Mary was much more than a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she was a proud soldier of the U.S. Navy family. May she rest in peace and may God reward her with everlasting life for her lifelong devotion and commitment to Him.
