Annie Margaret Griffis

Mrs. Annie Margaret Griffis, 89, of Blytheville, died Friday at Gosnell HealthCare. Born in Birdsong to the Rev. W.H. Bibbs and Pauline Savage Bibbs, she was a member of St. Paul MB Church. She was introduced to the Christian faith by her father at an early age and cherished and shared these values throughout her life.

She and her sister, Juanita Fambro, were raised partially by their grandparents, Alex and Alice Savage of Keiser.

She moved from Blytheville to Harvey, Ill., where she lived until 1948 when she returned to Blytheville and married her late husband, Ike Toliver. In 1956, she met and married her traveling soulmate, Willie Girffis, an airman, who afforded her the fulfillment of many of her travel dreams. The family resided in Tacoma, Wash., for many years, leaving Margaret to share awe and love for the splendor and diversity of the Northwest region. After the death of her husband, she returned to Blytheville.

Known for her contagious smile and earned independence, Margaret will be remembered by many for her spirited love for her children, her determined self-sufficiency, her selfless donations of both money and personal goods for charitable causes, her natural ingenuity regarding home and interior decorating, and her quiet love for dancing, especially jitterbugging.

Mrs. Griffis led a rich life and leaves her daughter, Bobbie Garret of Oakley, Calif.;

Her son, Robert (Storky) Griffis of Tacoma, Wash.;

Four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday at McDonald-Horne Funeral Home with the Rev. Johnnie E. Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Gardens. The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday at McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.