Elizabeth Ann (Adams) Griffitts

Elizabeth Ann Adams Griffitts, age 81 of the Helton Creek community, after suffering, a long battle of Parkinson’s disease, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family on January 15, 2024. Ann was born on September 23, 1942 in Ashe County, NC to Nannie Lou Adams. She was preceded in death by her mother and grandparents, brother, Joe Adams, brothers-in-law, Tony Griffitts, Harold Griffitts, Danny Griffitts, sister-in-law, Maxine Hanks, nephews, Alan Adams, Bobby Hanks and niece, Rita Hanks.

Ann was a long-standing member of Sturgills Baptist Church. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years, but due to Parkinson’s disease, she had to give up many of the things she enjoyed doing. Ann loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her trust and faith in God got her through many hard days. Ann always enjoyed studying art with Florence Thomas. Ann and Florence would drive around the county taking pictures to sketch and most times they would just stop and set up their easels and paint right in the moment. Ann also loved drawing portraits for many people of their family members and sometimes their pets. Ann also worked at Hanes for over 20 years, there she made many lifelong friends.

Gary, her husband of 64 years was her great love. They had many special memories together throughout their marriage.  Ann was also full of love for her family and friends, but had a very special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ann also loved animals and her special Lilly. She also enjoyed singing gospel songs. Before Ann got sick, she could make the best fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, but her chocolate pie was the greatest.

Ann always had a zest for life, she was a hard worker and loved to laugh and enjoy life. She always put others first. She was the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that anyone would be lucky to have had in their lives.

Mrs. Griffitts is survived by her husband, Gary Griffitts, three daughters, Cathy Clark (Billy) of Lansing, Debbie Copas of Lansing and Penny Grubb (David) of Todd, two sisters in law, Darlene Griffitts of Lansing and Geraldine Vencil of Marion, VA; five grandchildren, Carmen McGee (Marty) of Wilkesboro, Jenny Hoffman (Zach) of Boone, Max Wagoner of Valdese, David Grubb (Ashley) of Kernersville, Brett Grubb, stationed at Travis Air-force Base in California; five great–grandchildren, Mara, Canaan, Ada, Jake and Jett one special niece, Anita Chamberlin (Joe) of Jefferson.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the caregivers that came and helped Ann in the past couple of years. They truly loved her and gave her the best care. The family feels blessed to have had such special people to help them take care of her when she needed it. Special thanks and much love to Lesa, Ellen, Emma, Joey, Katelyn and Brandi. The family would also like to give special thanks to all of the hospice workers that went above and beyond to give such special care to Ann when she needed it. Thanks to April, Terri, Presley, Katie, Trish, Sarah, Amanda and Kevin. The family would also like to give a special thanks to Ashe Services for the Aging now Generations Ashe.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 12 noon at Sturgills Baptist Church by Reverend Lloyd Day, Reverend Tommy Dollar, and special speaker. David Grubb. Burial will follow in the Zion Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12 noon on Thursday prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of the following: Florence Thomas Art School, PO Box 865, West Jefferson, NC 28694; Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640 or Generations Ashe, 180 Chatty Rob Lane, West Jefferson, NC 28694.