Edna LaBerta Griffin

"Life is eternal, and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight"
- Rossiter W. Raymond

Obituary

Edna LaBerta Griffin, born May 18, 1945, in Chicago, IL to Tranquila Turner and Edward Scott Turner. Remarkably, she was the only one among her siblings to be born in a hospital, marking the beginning of a life filled with grace and purpose. Edna passed away peacefully at her home on April 3, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family, including her cherished daughter, son-in-law, and three grandsons.



Edna grew up and was educated on the west side of Chicago. She graduated from the historic all-girls school Lucy Flowers High School and continued her education at Malcom X Community College.



Edna’s childhood was deeply rooted in Faith Community, the church her father founded. Edna's devotion was exemplified through her unwavering commitment to her faith; she sang in and directed the choir, taught Sunday school, and served as the church secretary, playing multiple significant roles that touched the hearts of many. Her passion for music extended to performing with the Mid-City Gospel Singers, sharing her gift across Chicago.



On November 3, 1971, Edna married the love of her life, Robert Griffin Jr. Their union brought into her life an instant son in the form of Dennis L. Griffin and 16 years later they were blessed with their daughter, Ja Leesa Roberta Turner Griffin (George).



Edna held a deep love and compassion for people, which was apparent in her personal and professional journey, as many of her colleagues and patients became like family. She even earned the affectionate nickname of ‘Saint Edna’ from the administration at her daughter’s high school.



Filled with boundless affection and wisdom. Edna's life was a blessing to all who knew her, and her memory will be cherished forever by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.



Edna was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Edward Scott and Tranquila Turner; her husband Robert Griffin Jr.; and her five siblings: Leroy White, Thelma Williams, Vivian Turner, Lloyd Turner, and Vincent Turner.



Edna leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters Darlene Gordon and Ja Leesa George. Her son-in-law Sean M. George; daughter-in-law Angela Griffin; grandchildren: Candace Dobson, Britainy Griffin, Eyan Griffin, Felisea Griffin, Lonnie Gordon, Sean Griffin-George, John Venditti-Isley, and Weston George; along with a host of Godchildren, great grandchildren, “adopted” children, friends and extended family.

Order of Service

Welcome & Prayer - Larry Bady


Reading of the Word - Cher'One Bady

Poem - Darlene Gordon

Remembering Edna - Friends & Family

Obituary - Judy Glenn

Amazing Grace - Brittainy Griffin

Eulogy - Larry Bady

Prayer & Closing - We've Come this Far by Faith

Gallery

Donate