Ellen Lee Thomas Griffin
October 16, 1945 – August 2, 2022
Ellen Lee Thomas Griffin, 76, of Henrico, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.
Ellen was born on October 16, 1945, in Washington D.C. In 1967, she graduated from Westhampton College and later received her master’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her 35-year career as a public school teacher began in Richmond City Schools with the majority being at Tuckahoe Middle School in Henrico County.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Geneva J. and James S. Thomas; her brother, James Lloyd Thomas; her sisters, Joan Wilkinson Winters and Jennifer Ann Petreas; and her ex-husband, Ollie Maxey Griffin, Jr.
She is survived by her brother, Fredrick Warren Thomas; her children, Ashley Ellen Griffin and David Max Nicholas Griffin; her grandchildren, William David Hudak, Alexander Griffin Hudak, Ellie Parker Griffin, and Parker Maxey Griffin; her sister-in-law, Barbara Buckles Thomas; her daughter-in-law, Sara Edan Rice Griffin; as well as her nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation in Ellen’s memory.
The members of Henrico Retired School Personnel Association extend their condolences to the family of Ellen Griffin and our appreciation for her years of service to students and staff.
We have many fond memories of Ellen and Max from our time together as members of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. Our condolences to David and Ashley on the loss of their mother. Steven Van Voorhees & Peggy Hombs
Ellen was my first cousin. I remember many fun times with her when we were children. I named my last doll after her.
Just learned of Ellen’s passing today ( OCT 7,2022). I lost track of her although I knew she lived in Richmond, just an hour from my home in Williamsburg, Va. We had some fun times in high school, skipped school one day in our senior year which was not like us at all. Ellen was such an independent woman , ahead of her time for sure and I learned a lot from her.
Last saw her many years ago when we picked her up to attend a high school reunion and remember her beautiful wedding to Max. What a lovely and striking woman she was. Wish I had been able to spend time with her in our retirement years.
Carol (Howard) Moser
I remember Ellen as well from James Madison High School . We had reconnected via email after I moved to Richmond in the late 90’s. We had mutual interests since we were both in the education field.
So sorry to hear of her passing and wish I had known earlier
I knew Ellen at James Madison, casually. I live in Richmond, very close to Tucker middle school. I never knew she was so close. I know she will be missed. I am sure the memories of this lovely lady will bring comfort to her family and friends.