Wilma E. Griffith, 86, a long time resident of Black River, passed away March 8, 2019 at the Samaritan Summit Village where she had resided briefly. She was born on April 19, 1932 in Dickinson Center, NY, daughter of Raymond and Etta May Clark Wiley and graduated from St. Regis Falls High School in 1951. Following school she worked at Camp Drum in the cafeteria, was assistant head cashier at Acme Market in Watertown for 13 years and a child care provider for several years.
She married Floyd Jones of Black River in 1951 he passed away in 1976. She then married Norman H. Griffith on December 9, 1978 he passed away September 15, 2017. Wilma was a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars for over 35 years and attended First United Methodist Church of Watertown.
Wilma didn’t have any children of her own and relied on her sister Nina to share her 7 children with her. When the kids were little, there were trips to “Carrols” for cheeseburgers and “Puffs” for ice cream. For the girls, many weekends were spent at Aunt Wilma’s listening to records, playing with her baby doll and stroller and going to visit friends.
Christmas and birthdays were always memorable with the love she showed the kids through her thoughtful gifts. Aunt Wilma was “aunt” to all those she babysat throughout the years. Many have kept in contact with her years after their kids have grown up and comment on how much they loved her and knew she loved their kids.
Among her survivors are her beloved sister, Nina Rivers, formerly of Black River and currently residing with her daughter in NC, David (Marlene) Rivers, Peterborough, Ontario CA. ,Floyd (Kathy) Rivers, Lowville, Ricky (Lynn) Rivers, Lacona, Robert Rivers, Depauville, Terry Rivers, Adams Center, Marietta (Kevin) Kitto, Sackets Harbor, Rebecca (Joe) Lambert, Mooresville, NC. , and many other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Wilma was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Florence, Violet, Sadie, and Ruth and her brothers, Raymond, James and William. Calling hours will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 12 at the Bruce Funeral Home 131 Maple St., Black River. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 13 at the funeral home with Pastor Kevin Kitto of the Alex Bay United Methodist Church officiating.
Burial will be in Back River Cemetery in the spring. Donations may be made to the Order of the Eastern Stars Bethany Chapter 343 ℅ Carolyn Call, 31002 County Route 46, Evans Mills, NY 13637 or to the Walker Cancer Treatment Center, 830 Washington Street, Watertown.
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