Deborah Jane Griffin

Deborah Jene Harrington Griffin age 57 of Bluefield, WV passed away on Tuesday, April 01, 2014 at her home. She was born April 29, 1956 to the late James Willie Byrd and Buleah May Byrd in Philadelphia, PA. Deborah attended Simon Gratz High School. Deborah had a very exciting and daring life. At a young age Deborah got married to Theotis Smith during this union they had a child Kafi. Later Deborah and Theotis parted and Deborah started a wonderful union with her longtime partner James Woods until his demise April 2, 1999. During this union they had a baby boy James Jr. Deborah loved helping and taking care of people. That led her to her nursing career with Genesis Health Care for over 20 years.  Deborah moved to WV in 2001. She remained there with her son and daughter in law until God called her home. Even with her illness Deborah fought. All who knew her know she was a fighter. One of her favorite sayings were "You can't pay a person to mess with her". I'm being nice about the choice of words. Or, she'll say "Back me up against the wall. I'll come out like a raging bull". We all know she would. In keeping with her fighting spirit mom fought death till the end.   Preceded her in death: her father James Byrd and her mother Buleah Mae Harrington Byrd; two sisters Sarah Ann and Queen Ester, one grandchild A’Merria and her common law husband of 19 years James.   Those who mourn her:  Daughters:  Kafi Woods-Miller and husband Dawud of Philadelphia, PA Germaine Lowden and husband Jay of Philadelphia, PA                 Son:  James “Jimmy” Woods Jr. and wife NaTausha of Bluefield, WV    God Daughter:  Valinda Henderson of Philadelphia, PA   Grandchildren: Mikesha, Jayden, Emani, Desier, Ja’Niya, Jayshaun, Tah'Jay, Nevaeh, Jah'Mia, Karia and Kezia’h.   One Sister:   Helen Irene Smith of Philadelphia, PA    One Brother:  James Byrd of Philadelphia, PA   A host of nieces, nephews and cousins and friends two which are her best friends Bernice and Darlene   A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 07, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluefield (Bluewell), WV with Pastor Sharon Y Harris of Jesus is the Answer Ministries in Princeton officiating and Eulogy by Pastor Lloyd Hill of The Father's House Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston.   The Family will receive friends at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home on Monday, April 07, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until the time of her service.  In keeping with Deborah’s wishes she was cremated. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.