Lucille Kates Griffin

Lucille Kates Griffin, age 105, of Burnsville, passed away on Monday, September 14th, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Yancey County on July 15th, 1915.  Later in life Lucille was known to a legion of friends as Granny.  She was the daughter of the late George and Hessie Kates.

John L. Griffin left Hopewell, VA as a young boy to start his career working at the CC camp in Old Fort, NC building the Blue Ridge Parkway.  John met Lucille in the early 1930’s and the mountain girl married the city boy on June 10th, 1935 in Marion, McDowell County.  Their love and marriage lasted for the rest of their lives.  They had four children: Margaret, Clark, Carolyn and Katy.  Surviving is Carolyn, married to Dennis Boosey of Upper Marlboro, MD and Kathy, married to Larry Cable of Marion.  Lucille and John had five grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and eight great, great-grandchildren.

Mom loved life and lived it with great joy thanking God for his creation.  Her love for the mountains was one of her greatest love.  She said nothing made you feel free as being in the mountains and enjoying nature and pulling galaxy.

Lucille was a wonderful teller of stories and had many articles written about her mountain experiences.  She had quotes in the State Magazine, National Geographic, Yancey Common Times Journal, and The Charlotte Observer.  Also, Lucille was a listener to stories, and showed her love for family and friends by caring deeply about the stories of their lives.  She was a pillar of strength and a refuge in difficult times.  She battled illness with courage, dignity and humor.

Our family would like to thank our mother’s caregivers: Ms. Deb Holcomb and Mrs. Sally Ray.  They have given our mother great loving care for over 7 years.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 19th in South Estatoe Baptist Church.  Rev. David Brown and Rev. Larry Cable will officiate.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the church.  Yancey Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Griffin family.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to them so that they may help caregivers that want to continue their healthcare education but cannot afford to.  You may mail these to Kathy Cable at 355 Pine Hill Drive, Marion, NC 28752.  To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.