Alida Mary Griffin

Alida Mary (Blair) Griffin, 74, of Decatur passed away on Saturday May 1, 2021. She was born on June 9, 1946 in Watertown, New York, the son of Delbert and Helen (Lyons) Blair. Alida was a graduate of Watertown High School. Alida migrated to Atlanta in the sixties. Her first job was at the original Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon Ave. She later worked at the Emory University Bookstore where she met Jepp Griffin. They were later married in February 1969. Together they had three children: Kenneth Eugene, Elizabeth Victoria, and Lisa Ann. Alida also worked for the Dekalb News Sun and Horton’s in Emory Village. In February of 1982, Alida began her career with Emory Clinic, now Emory Healthcare. She was looking forward to retiring in February 2022, which would have marked 40 years with Emory. Alida made life-long friends at Emory. Many of which she was still friends with today. When Alida was not at work you could always find her at Medlock Park. With Kenny and Lisa always playing baseball, softball, football, and cheerleading at Medlock, Alida was always right there cheering them on. From sowing banners and uniforms to mending booboos, Alida was the best Team Mom ever. Alida spent much of her free time reading and knitting. Alida was definitely an animal lover. She had numerous cats and dogs over the years, but Gracie was truly her baby. Alida’s favorite saying that everyone knew her by was “Oh my Gawd!”

Alida is survived by a son Kenneth Griffin of Loganville, GA; a daughter Lisa Griffin of Decatur, GA; two granddaughters Kennedi Griffin of Peoria, IL; Mary Griffin of Decatur GA; a grandson Austin Griffin of Dacula, GA; a sister in law Sheila Blair of Oneida, NY and many nieces and nephews.

Alida was predeceased by her sister Helen and her husband Ed LaFountain both from Watertown, NY; two brothers George Blair of Oneida, NY and Francis and his wife Joyce Blair also from Watertown, NY. Also predeceased by Alida was her daughter Elizabeth Victoria.

A memorial service will be held Saturday May 8, 2021 at 2:00 PM at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home located at 2773 N. Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Alida had many charities she donated to but her favorite was her church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to Alida’s church that she belonged to for 50 years: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 636 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030. Giving - St Thomas More Catholic Church (stmgaparish.org). A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.