Mary Michele Amiss Griffin

Born on December 22, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, Michele was the daughter of Edmund and Rosemary Wahlert Amiss. She attended St. Clara Academy in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin before making her home in Thomasville with the love of her life, G.W. Griffin III.

Michele and G.W. shared 35 wonderful years together, building a life centered around family, faith, and opening their home to others. They loved traveling, spending time on the water boating and fishing, relaxing at the beach, and making memories with the people they loved most. Their home was always full of family, friends, laughter, and good food.

Michele had a special gift for making people feel cared for. She was a devoted homemaker who found joy in serving others, especially through cooking. Whether it was a big pot of her famous Brunswick stew, chicken and rice, or one of the sweet treats she always kept stocked in the fridge and freezer for her grandchildren, she loved bringing people together around the table. No one ever left her home hungry, and it was almost guaranteed they would leave with leftovers in hand.

She also found happiness in the simple things. Michele loved watching the deer wander through the yard, listening to the birds outside her window, admiring the fresh flowers, and caring for the animals she adored. Buddy, her faithful dog, along with George the donkey and Sunny the horse, brought her endless joy and were truly part of the family.

Above all else, Michele’s greatest blessing was her family, beginning with the love she shared with her husband, G.W. Griffin III. He was her constant companion, her greatest source of joy, and the person she cherished most. She treasured every moment spent with him, as well as with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, generosity, quiet strength, and a family who will forever be grateful for the life she lived and the love she gave.

Funeral services will be held at Big Ochlocknee Baptist Church on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow immediately at Big Ochlocknee Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Nolan Berry, Justin McNamara, Jamie Venegas, Logan Griffin, Greyson Wright, and Jamie Wright.

Michele is survived by her loving husband, G.W. Griffin III of Thomasville; her daughters, Amy Berry, Kelly Venegas and husband Jamie, and Natalie Wright and husband Jamie; her son, John McNamara; her grandchildren, Nolan Berry, Sophie Berry, Sarah McNamara, Justin McNamara, Greyson Wright, and Logan Griffin; her great-grandchildren, Mason, Ady, Croix, Pru Yeo, and Adelynn McNamara; and her siblings, Harry Wahlert Amiss, Patricia Lynn Fletcher, John Frederick Amiss, Thomas Joseph Amiss (Jan), Adrienne Marie Amiss, David James Amiss, Andrea Elise Young (Huey) and Richard Dudley Amiss (Beth).

She was preceded in death by her son, Sid Griffin; her siblings, Edmund Leavell Amiss, Stephen Francis Amiss, and Susan Margaret Amiss; and her parents, Edmund and Rosemary Wahlert Amiss.

The family will forever remember Michele for the way she loved so well. Whether she was welcoming everyone into her home, preparing a meal for those she loved, or simply spending time with her family, she made people feel seen, cared for, and at home. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew her.