Mary Ann Hill Griffin

Published 11:39 am Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Mary Ann Hill Griffin, 85, of Bainbridge, Ga., died Thursday, April 7, 2022.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor John Erthein and Rev. Stephen Webb officiating.  Interment will be at Oak City Cemetery with David Maxwell, Keith Newberry, Steve Poitevint, James Griffin, Paschal Ward, and Gerard Kwilecki serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bainbridge Little Theatre, PO Box 1245, Bainbridge, GA 39818 or Firehouse Arts Center, PO Box 35, Bainbridge, GA 39818.

Mary Ann Hill was born January 19, 1937, in Tifton, Ga., the daughter of Samuel Oather & Ada Elder Hill. She was a graduate of Cordele High School. Mary Ann earned a bachelor’s degree in oil painting from the University of Georgia. She married Samuel M. “Sam” Griffin, Jr. and they made their home in Bainbridge following Sam’s discharge from the United States Navy. Sam and Mary Ann published The Post-Searchlight for almost five decades. Mary Ann was an active member of First Presbyterian Church.

Known for her quick wit and southern charm, Mary Ann always had a story with a little sass. She enjoyed doing things her way and was completely comfortable telling you so. Her life was filled with fun, adventure, art, and experiences. Mary Ann was a collector of sorts…things, information, artwork, friends, and random information. She was a local historian and loved everything about her community.

Mary Ann served her community (wherever that may be at the time) in many capacities: member and 1957-1958 president of Alpha Delta Pi; America’s College of Who’s Who 1959, The Book Club, Chairman of the renovation committee for Decatur County Courthouse, and a member of Decorative Arts Advisory Committee of Georgia Museum of Art. She was instrumental in preserving the Firehouse and the Bon Air Hotel working closely with the Georgia Trust for Historical Preservation.

Survivors include her children, Samuel M. Griffin, III of Bainbridge and Virginia Ann “Ginger” Griffin of Tallahassee; her adopted son, Mark Pope, his wife, Jackie, and their daughter, Ceciley; her sister, Athleen Hill Yauger; her nephew & niece, John Thomas Yauger, Jr. and Ann Hill Yauger; Retha Wilson, and Doris Chrispen. In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Samuel “Sam” Marvin Griffin, Jr.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)