Deacon John Sheffield Griffin

Deacon John Sheffield Griffin was born April 23, 1955, in Coffeeville Mississippi. He was the only child conceived by Lucille Griffin (aka Mother Lucille Sanders). John and his mother moved to Chicago, Illinois where he started his education at Forestville and Mollison Elementary Schools. Once he became a teen he attended Harlan High School. This is where he developed a passion for track and field. During this time John competed in several track meets. He won multiple 800 meter track events .

He earned a scholarship to the Historic Black University, Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte North Carolina. John continued to work hard, dedicated himself to learning and mentoring others. In addition, he helped as an Assistant Track Coach at the university with his team on and off the field. John continued his education in Santa Barbara California. He attended the California School of Law before retuning back home to the Midwest. John was a faithful member of Starlight Saint James Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years.

He found the Lord shortly after moving to Chicago and was baptized by Reverend Raymond Ward. Also, he was raised surrounded by great gospel vocalist, which motivated him to participate in ministry through music. He played the organ for several years and many services throughout the City of Chicago and at the Griffin family reunion. His greatest honor was being the pianist for “The Old Ship of Zion” play written by his mother. The Honor of serving as Deacon was bestowed on him under the guidance of Reverend Irvin Barrett. John held a position as Athletics Director at the CEDA summer youth program and mentored youth within the local community.

He also was an Elementary and High School Substitute Teacher for the Chicago Public School system and surrounding suburbs for over 30 years. On an ice-cold day in 1979 he joined the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. John became an active member of the Graduate Chapter of Xi Lambda, located in his hometown of Chicago. He crossed the burning sands with a well-known local Senator, 17th District Donny E. Trotter. John S. Griffin was a loving Son and faithful servant to God. On February 28, 2022, John answered the call from Heaven to come home. He leaves to cherish his memory; a host of cousin, Eugene Griffin; extended family members and Deacon John Sheffield Griffin was born April 23, 1955, in Coffeeville Mississippi.

He was the only child conceived by Lucille Griffin (aka Mother Lucille Sanders). John and his mother moved to Chicago, Illinois where he started his education at Forestville and Mollison Elementary Schools. Once he became a teen he attended Harlan High School. This is where he developed a passion for track and field. During this time John competed in several track meets. He won multiple 800 meter track events . He earned a scholarship to the Historic Black University, Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte North Carolina. John continued to work hard, dedicated himself to learning and mentoring others. In addition, he helped as an Assistant Track Coach at the university with his team on and off the field. John continued his education in Santa Barbara California. He attended the California School of Law before retuning back home to the Midwest. John was a faithful member of Starlight Saint James Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years.

He found the Lord shortly after moving to Chicago and was baptized by Reverend Raymond Ward. Also, he was raised surrounded by great gospel vocalist, which motivated him to participate in ministry through music. He played the organ for several years and many services throughout the City of Chicago and at the Griffin-Martin family reunion. His greatest honor was being the pianist for “The Old Ship of Zion” play written by his mother.

The Honor of serving as Deacon was bestowed on him under the guidance of Reverend Irvin Barrett. John held a position as Athletics Director at the CEDA summer youth program and mentored youth within the local community. He also was an Elementary and High School Substitute Teacher for the Chicago Public School system and surrounding suburbs for over 30 years. On an ice-cold day in 1979 he joined the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. John became an active member of the Graduate Chapter of Xi Lambda, located in his hometown of Chicago.

He crossed the burning sands with a well-known local Senator, 17th District Donny E. Trotter. John S. Griffin was a loving Son and faithful servant to God. On February 28, 2022, John answered the call from Heaven to come home. He leaves to cherish his memory; a host of cousins, especially Eugene Griffin; extended family members and lifelong friends.