Obituary of Winifred Matthews Griffinn

Winifred Matthews Griffin died peacefully in her sleep at White Oak Manor in Rock Hill, SC, on March 9, 2013. She was born in Columbia, SC, on May 14, 1936, to the late Robert Hamilton Matthews and Jessie Catherine Hines Matthews. Winkie, as she was affectionately called, was the youngest of 15 children. Winkie lived in Columbia all her life and graduated from Olympia High School. After a rewarding 28-year career at Cooper Industries, Winkie took early retirement and, not ready to slow down, opened her own business - The Video Coop. After 10 years, her growing video business was bought out and she then fully retired to the family's property in Lexington, SC. Also, as evidence of her leadership and early sense of commitment, she proudly rose to the position of Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Springdale, SC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 12 siblings. Winkie was also predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Ellis J. "Pete" Griffin, who died August 30, 1992. Winkie is survived by two sisters - Pansy Heyward of Columbia, SC and Mary Ellis of Suffolk, VA; her son, John Robert "Bob" Griffin (Linda) of Wilmington, NC; daughters, Catherine P. Mast (Hale) of Fort Mill, SC, and Rita F. Cooper (Gary) of Columbia; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Being the youngest in a family of 10 girls and 5 boys, Winkie learned independence and patience early in life. All that knew her loved her sharp wit, fierce determination, and her ever-present propensity to start dancing at the slightest hint of music. Her family especially knew of her passion for country music. In her last years spent in Alzheimer's care, she danced non-stop with every available nurse, to the delight of all within her company and reach. Her bright smile and ever-dancing eyes charmed everyone. In the many years prior to her illness, Winkie gave great devotion and support to her church, All Saints' Episcopal, in Cayce, SC. The family will have a private interment ceremony in Greenlawn Memorial Park immediately. On Saturday, March 23, 2013, 11:00 A.M., the family will host a memorial service celebrating Winkie's life at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 1001 12th Street, Cayce, SC 29033. The family thoughtfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, friends of Winkie may send donations to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29732, or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Greenlawn Funeral Home for providing caring services.