IN LOVING MEMORY OF Thelma Marie Griffin January 30, 1961 - June 27, 2026 PENTECOSTAL TEMPLE COGIC 301 E. 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90061 THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2026 AT 11:00 AMIN LOVING MEMORY OF Thelma Marie Griffin January 30, 1961 - June 27, 2026 PENTECOSTAL TEMPLE COGIC 301 E. 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90061 THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2026 AT 11:00 AM
Obituary Thelma Marie Griffin was born on January 30, 1961, to Gertha and George Griffin Sr. at John Wesley Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She graduated with honors from David Starr Jordan High School in 1979, was accepted into the University of California, Irvine, and earned an Associate of Science degree in Chemical Technology from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. In her teen years, she was an avid tennis player and oratorical contest winner. In later years, she enjoyed volunteering at elder care homes, caring for people in the community, and reading books to students at the local elementary school and the local library. Thelma was a kind-hearted and giving woman whose life was a reflection of love, compassion, and strength. She received Christ at a young age under the leadership of Pastor Freeman. She found great joy in studying her Sunday School lessons and attending church whenever she was able. She enjoyed writing, watching movies, reading, listening to her cassette tapes, and looking out for her family. She was a devoted homemaker who lovingly cared for her family and provided for them in every way she could. She was always there for people when they needed it, even before they had to ask. Her kindness, generosity, and caring spirit will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Thelma was peacefully called home to be with the Lord at her home in Los Angeles, California, on the morning of June 27, 2026, at the age of 65. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertha and George Griffin Sr., and her sisters, Alneater “Nita” Brown and Sylvia Griffin. She is lovingly remembered by her only daughter, Lakisha Renee Baker, and her son-in-law, Anthony Wayne Baker Sr.; her three grandchildren, Jalissa Arie Jackson, Zha’ Shawn Rasuli Grays, and Xavier Keshawn Henderson; her siblings, Beverly Ann Griffin and George Griffin Jr.; her sister-in-law, Anita Griffin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. Though her earthly journey has ended, the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the memories she gave will remain with us always.A Rose Called Mom Some people spend a lifetime searching for a beautiful rose. I was blessed to call mine Mom. Like a rose, you were beautiful—not because life was easy, but because you bloomed through every season. Even when life brought thorns, you never stopped giving love. And when cancer tried to steal your strength, it never stole your spirit. You fought with quiet courage. You never complained about your pain. You remained strong until your very last breath. Then God looked upon His precious rose and said, “No more suffering.” He gently called you home. Mom, you raised me. You showed up. You believed in me. You cheered me on through every graduation, every accomplishment, every milestone. Even when we didn't have much, somehow you made being poor look easy. You carried burdens that many people never saw, yet somehow you always found enough love to give away. You fed strangers. You dropped off socks to the elderly. You gave freely to anyone God placed on your heart. Every school year, you made sure your grandchildren had new clothes. When they were little, you walked up the street to bring them their lunches. You showed up. You made yourself available. You were present. You didn't just love us with words—you loved us with your time, your generosity, and your actions. Helping others wasn't something you did. It was simply who you were. You were the steady heartbeat of our family. Even through your illness, you continued to carry yourself with grace and dignity. I watched you fight with strength until your final days, and I don't know how you did it. by Lakisha Baker, Daughter
As I sat beside you and watched you take your final breath, then watched your heart become still, I realized life would never be the same. Nothing prepares you for that moment. Nothing. But love carries us where words cannot. The sadness is real. The grief is heavy. Yet somehow your memories still make us smile. You knew how to tell a joke and how to tell a story. Sometimes we'd just sit in the car and listen to you talk about everything. Those conversations were never ordinary—they were treasures. Sometimes I wanted to record every conversation because I knew one day I'd want to hear them all again. Maybe one day your granddaughter will make that movie about your life. I think people would laugh just as hard as we did, because even through difficult seasons, your joy was contagious. That's why today is not a funeral; it's a Celebration of Life. Because you wouldn't want us to remember only your final days. You'd want us to remember your laughter, your giving heart, your strength, your faith, your love, and the rose that bloomed so beautifully even among the thorns. I am grateful that God allowed me to walk beside you during the final chapter of your life. It was an honor to care for you, to love you, and to make sure your wishes were fulfilled. I know you were proud of me. I know you were proud of your grandchildren. And I hope you always knew how proud we were to call you Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie, Cousin, and Friend. So today, we do not simply mourn you. We celebrate you, because that is exactly what you would have wanted—a true Celebration of Life. Your petals may have fallen from this earth, but the fragrance of your love will remain in our hearts forever. Mom, if roses truly grow in Heaven, I know yours is blooming brighter than ever. And every time we see a beautiful rose, we will see you. Forever blooming. Forever healed. Forever home. Until we meet again... We love you.Order of Service Procession of the Family Call to Order - Elder Anthony Baker Prayer of Comfort - Officiant Old Testament Scripture - Joshua Dudley New Testament Scripture - Zha' Shawn Grays Songs of Praise - Ministry of Music A Tribute from her Sister & Acknowledgments - Beverly Griffin A Tribute from her Daughter - Deaconess Lakisha Baker Word of Expression - Superintendent Jesse Smith Selection - Kiarra Graves Word of Expression from Family & Friends (2 minutes please) Reading of Cards & Obituary - Amber Larkins Sermonic Solo - First Lady Claudette Baker Eulogy - Pastor Kenneth Baker Final Viewing & Recessional Pallbearers Zha' Shawn Grays - Grandson Xavier Henderson - Grandson Deondre Brown - Nephew DeGeorge Griffin - Nephew Dayvon Vercher - Nephew Joshua Dudley - Nephew Associate Pastor, Dr. George Griffin - Officiant
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Gone but not ForgottenTributesCont.) To My Beautiful Big Sister, Thelma Griffin, I am going to miss you so much. I will miss your jokes, our long conversations about everything going on in our lives, and sharing stories about our children and grandchildren. I will especially miss discussing our Sunday School lessons over the phone and the special bond we shared. Thank you for the love, wisdom, laughter, and precious memories that will stay with me forever. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you, Sis, and I will miss you more than words can express. Rest in peace until we meet again in God’s glorious Kingdom. Forever loved. Forever missed. — Beverly Griffin Auntie Thelma, Thank you for all of your support. You will be greatly missed, and I know God has you in a better place. May you rest in His love forever. Sincerely, Amber
TributesCont. Tribute to Aunt Thelma Griffin My Aunt Thelma Griffin was a remarkable woman whose love, encouragement, unwavering support, and joyful spirit left a lasting mark on my life. She was a woman of deep and abiding faith who loved her family wholeheartedly and demonstrated that love through her kindness, generosity, and steadfast presence. Her warmth had a way of making those around her feel seen, valued, and cared for. While my heart is profoundly saddened by her passing, I find comfort in knowing that her faith has now become sight. Heaven has welcomed another angel, and I know she will continue watching over our family with the same love that she shared throughout her life. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched, and I will forever be grateful to have been blessed with such an extraordinary Aunt. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. — DeGeorge Griffin To my sweet cousin Thelma, We all have different journeys, different paths along the way; we all were meant to learn some things but never meant to stay. We claim a great reward and find an everlasting peace together with the Lord. — Angie TryonFamilyPhotos
FamilyPhotosTributes Cont. Ms. Griffin was godly proud of “Kisha” and her grandchildren and I celebrate her legacy of faith in God and love of family. May God continue to bless you all. Love — Joyce Wilber Mother Thelma Griffin, On those special days when you visited Pentecostal Temple to spend time with your daughter LaKisha, your quiet spirit as you sat on that back row was always felt. You always made sure that you got to me to say hello and when you went up to give your offering you never failed to cross over to the other side of the church and make your way to me and put some money in my hand and say, “This is for you.” Thank you, Mother Griffin for being the giving and caring person you were. Your sweet presence will certainly be missed at Pentecostal Temple COGIC. First Lady Claudette Baker
Tributes Cont. Aunt Thelma was deeply loved by all her family members. She knew the importance of family, had a heart of gold and showed up when it mattered most. Losing her to cancer happened too fast. But it didn’t steal her legacy in the life she lived, her greatest joys and her faith. When I think of everything she went through, I find myself more grateful for the promise that God made at Isaiah 33:24. The first part says, “No resident will say I am sick.” This is what I am still looking forward to in the future. However, I know she is no longer suffering from any illness or pain, and she will forever be missed in my heart. Love always, your niece, Lanita Tircuit My Auntie Thelma was one of the strongest, smartest, and most loving women I’ve ever known. She had a way of teaching without making it feel like a lesson, and because of her, I learned so much about our Black history, our culture, and what it means to carry yourself with pride and dignity as a Black man. She poured wisdom into everyone around her with kindness, patience, and love. Her beautiful spirit, warm heart, and unwavering love for her family touched so many lives. She leaves behind memories, lessons, and a legacy that will continue to live on through all of us. She will be deeply missed, but I will forever be grateful for the time I had with her and everything she taught me. Love Always, DayDayTributes Cont. Aunt Thelma was deeply loved by all her family members. She knew the importance of family, had a heart of gold and showed up when it mattered most. Losing her to cancer happened too fast. But it didn’t steal her legacy in the life she lived, her greatest joys and her faith. When I think of everything she went through, I find myself more grateful for the promise that God made at Isaiah 33:24. The first part says, “No resident will say I am sick.” This is what I am still looking forward to in the future. However, I know she is no longer suffering from any illness or pain, and she will forever be missed in my heart. Love always, your niece, Lanita Tircuit My Auntie Thelma was one of the strongest, smartest, and most loving women I’ve ever known. She had a way of teaching without making it feel like a lesson, and because of her, I learned so much about our Black history, our culture, and what it means to carry yourself with pride and dignity as a Black man. She poured wisdom into everyone around her with kindness, patience, and love. Her beautiful spirit, warm heart, and unwavering love for her family touched so many lives. She leaves behind memories, lessons, and a legacy that will continue to live on through all of us. She will be deeply missed, but I will forever be grateful for the time I had with her and everything she taught me. Love Always, DayDay
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FamilyPhotosTributesCont. Tribute to Aunt Thelma Griffin My Aunt Thelma Griffin was a remarkable woman whose love, encouragement, unwavering support, and joyful spirit left a lasting mark on my life. She was a woman of deep and abiding faith who loved her family wholeheartedly and demonstrated that love through her kindness, generosity, and steadfast presence. Her warmth had a way of making those around her feel seen, valued, and cared for. While my heart is profoundly saddened by her passing, I find comfort in knowing that her faith has now become sight. Heaven has welcomed another angel, and I know she will continue watching over our family with the same love that she shared throughout her life. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched, and I will forever be grateful to have been blessed with such an extraordinary Aunt. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. — DeGeorge Griffin To my sweet cousin Thelma, We all have different journeys, different paths along the way; we all were meant to learn some things but never meant to stay. We claim a great reward and find an everlasting peace together with the Lord. — Angie Tryon
Tributes Cont. Ms. Griffin was godly proud of “Kisha” and her grandchildren and I celebrate her legacy of faith in God and love of family. May God continue to bless you all. Love — Joyce Wilber Mother Thelma Griffin, On those special days when you visited Pentecostal Temple to spend time with your daughter LaKisha, your quiet spirit as you sat on that back row was always felt. You always made sure that you got to me to say hello and when you went up to give your offering you never failed to cross over to the other side of the church and make your way to me and put some money in my hand and say, “This is for you.” Thank you, Mother Griffin for being the giving and caring person you were. Your sweet presence will certainly be missed at Pentecostal Temple COGIC. First Lady Claudette BakerFamilyPhotos
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TributesCont.) To My Beautiful Big Sister, Thelma Griffin, I am going to miss you so much. I will miss your jokes, our long conversations about everything going on in our lives, and sharing stories about our children and grandchildren. I will especially miss discussing our Sunday School lessons over the phone and the special bond we shared. Thank you for the love, wisdom, laughter, and precious memories that will stay with me forever. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you, Sis, and I will miss you more than words can express. Rest in peace until we meet again in God’s glorious Kingdom. Forever loved. Forever missed. — Beverly Griffin Auntie Thelma, Thank you for all of your support. You will be greatly missed, and I know God has you in a better place. May you rest in His love forever. Sincerely, AmberGone but not Forgotten
A Rose Called Mom Some people spend a lifetime searching for a beautiful rose. I was blessed to call mine Mom. Like a rose, you were beautiful—not because life was easy, but because you bloomed through every season. Even when life brought thorns, you never stopped giving love. And when cancer tried to steal your strength, it never stole your spirit. You fought with quiet courage. You never complained about your pain. You remained strong until your very last breath. Then God looked upon His precious rose and said, “No more suffering.” He gently called you home. Mom, you raised me. You showed up. You believed in me. You cheered me on through every graduation, every accomplishment, every milestone. Even when we didn't have much, somehow you made being poor look easy. You carried burdens that many people never saw, yet somehow you always found enough love to give away. You fed strangers. You dropped off socks to the elderly. You gave freely to anyone God placed on your heart. Every school year, you made sure your grandchildren had new clothes. When they were little, you walked up the street to bring them their lunches. You showed up. You made yourself available. You were present. You didn't just love us with words—you loved us with your time, your generosity, and your actions. Helping others wasn't something you did. It was simply who you were. You were the steady heartbeat of our family. Even through your illness, you continued to carry yourself with grace and dignity. I watched you fight with strength until your final days, and I don't know how you did it. by Lakisha Baker, DaughterObituary Thelma Marie Griffin was born on January 30, 1961, to Gertha and George Griffin Sr. at John Wesley Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She graduated with honors from David Starr Jordan High School in 1979, was accepted into the University of California, Irvine, and earned an Associate of Science degree in Chemical Technology from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. In her teen years, she was an avid tennis player and oratorical contest winner. In later years, she enjoyed volunteering at elder care homes, caring for people in the community, and reading books to students at the local elementary school and the local library. Thelma was a kind-hearted and giving woman whose life was a reflection of love, compassion, and strength. She received Christ at a young age under the leadership of Pastor Freeman. She found great joy in studying her Sunday School lessons and attending church whenever she was able. She enjoyed writing, watching movies, reading, listening to her cassette tapes, and looking out for her family. She was a devoted homemaker who lovingly cared for her family and provided for them in every way she could. She was always there for people when they needed it, even before they had to ask. Her kindness, generosity, and caring spirit will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Thelma was peacefully called home to be with the Lord at her home in Los Angeles, California, on the morning of June 27, 2026, at the age of 65. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertha and George Griffin Sr., and her sisters, Alneater “Nita” Brown and Sylvia Griffin. She is lovingly remembered by her only daughter, Lakisha Renee Baker, and her son-in-law, Anthony Wayne Baker Sr.; her three grandchildren, Jalissa Arie Jackson, Zha’ Shawn Rasuli Grays, and Xavier Keshawn Henderson; her siblings, Beverly Ann Griffin and George Griffin Jr.; her sister-in-law, Anita Griffin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. Though her earthly journey has ended, the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the memories she gave will remain with us always.
Order of Service Procession of the Family Call to Order - Elder Anthony Baker Prayer of Comfort - Officiant Old Testament Scripture - Joshua Dudley New Testament Scripture - Zha' Shawn Grays Songs of Praise - Ministry of Music A Tribute from her Sister & Acknowledgments - Beverly Griffin A Tribute from her Daughter - Deaconess Lakisha Baker Word of Expression - Superintendent Jesse Smith Selection - Kiarra Graves Word of Expression from Family & Friends (2 minutes please) Reading of Cards & Obituary - Amber Larkins Sermonic Solo - First Lady Claudette Baker Eulogy - Pastor Kenneth Baker Final Viewing & Recessional Pallbearers Zha' Shawn Grays - Grandson Xavier Henderson - Grandson Deondre Brown - Nephew DeGeorge Griffin - Nephew Dayvon Vercher - Nephew Joshua Dudley - Nephew Associate Pastor, Dr. George Griffin - OfficiantAs I sat beside you and watched you take your final breath, then watched your heart become still, I realized life would never be the same. Nothing prepares you for that moment. Nothing. But love carries us where words cannot. The sadness is real. The grief is heavy. Yet somehow your memories still make us smile. You knew how to tell a joke and how to tell a story. Sometimes we'd just sit in the car and listen to you talk about everything. Those conversations were never ordinary—they were treasures. Sometimes I wanted to record every conversation because I knew one day I'd want to hear them all again. Maybe one day your granddaughter will make that movie about your life. I think people would laugh just as hard as we did, because even through difficult seasons, your joy was contagious. That's why today is not a funeral; it's a Celebration of Life. Because you wouldn't want us to remember only your final days. You'd want us to remember your laughter, your giving heart, your strength, your faith, your love, and the rose that bloomed so beautifully even among the thorns. I am grateful that God allowed me to walk beside you during the final chapter of your life. It was an honor to care for you, to love you, and to make sure your wishes were fulfilled. I know you were proud of me. I know you were proud of your grandchildren. And I hope you always knew how proud we were to call you Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie, Cousin, and Friend. So today, we do not simply mourn you. We celebrate you, because that is exactly what you would have wanted—a true Celebration of Life. Your petals may have fallen from this earth, but the fragrance of your love will remain in our hearts forever. Mom, if roses truly grow in Heaven, I know yours is blooming brighter than ever. And every time we see a beautiful rose, we will see you. Forever blooming. Forever healed. Forever home. Until we meet again... We love you.
Her Smile Though her smile is gone forever and her hand I cannot touch I still have so many memories Of the one I loved so much. Her memory is now my keepsake Which with I’ll never part. God has her in His keeping I have her in my heart. Sadly missed, but never forgotten. Her interment will follow as she is lovingly laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery. acknowledgments The family of the late Thelma Marie Griffin wishes to express our sincere appreciation for all the prayers, visits, and many other acts of kindness shown during this difficult time. — The Family I Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (KJV)Her Smile Though her smile is gone forever and her hand I cannot touch I still have so many memories Of the one I loved so much. Her memory is now my keepsake Which with I’ll never part. God has her in His keeping I have her in my heart. Sadly missed, but never forgotten. Her interment will follow as she is lovingly laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery. acknowledgments The family of the late Thelma Marie Griffin wishes to express our sincere appreciation for all the prayers, visits, and many other acts of kindness shown during this difficult time. — The Family I Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (KJV)