I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

On a beautiful sunny Tuesday morning in May, God created Nannye B. Griffin and sent his tiny angel to William Griffin Sr. and Ella (Owze) Griffin in Okmulgee, OK. The youngest of the Griffin clan, Nannye was a true gift from God. As a small child, Nannye grew up in Okmulgee and at the tender age of 9 her family moved to Beggs, OK. While living in Beggs, she accepted Christ at an early age at The Hardy Chapel AME Church under the pastorship of Reverend M.L. Peterson.

Nannye loved Beggs, OK! While there, she received her formal education from Wheatley High School where she was active in Track and Field, Basketball, Cheerleading and that beautiful smile was even crowned Homecoming Queen of her Senior Class. After high school Nannye moved back to Okmulgee where she attended Oklahoma State Tech, graduating in 1971.

Making great strides in her life, Nannye yearned to fill her life with the love of God. At the advice of a close friend, Nannye visited Osage Avenue Christian Church where she not only developed a closer relationship with God, but also made lifelong friends. Nannye officially joined Osage Avenue Christian church in 1956 under the pastorship of Reverend W. H. McNeely.

Nannye was a loyal and devoted member of Osage Avenue until her death. Nannye served in every capacity of the church from cook, grounds keeper, Sunday school teacher, secretary, treasurer, to deaconess. Nannye was also an integral part of the Okmulgee City Wide Prayer Band and the Red Hatter's Association.

With God on her side and in her heart Nannye was sent a very special man. Nannye and Charles met, fell in love and were later married on March 19, 1971. Nannye and Charles were blessed by God to love and raise seven children.

In November 1972, Mr. Odis Furr offered Nannye a job working in the Okmulgee County Assessor's Office. With some hesitation and placing her trust in God, Nannye accepted the position. Her beautiful smile, witty personality, brave strength and education totally blew Mr. Furr away. At that time, she had no clue what doors God would begin to open for her. Nannye started a job as Deputy County Assessor that later blossomed into a lifelong career in public service. Unbeknownst at the time, Mr. Furr was planning to retire, leaving two years of his remaining term to someone in his office. He recommended to the County Commissioners that Nannye be appointed to office and she once again graciously accepted the opportunity. Twice Nannye was elected to serve 4 year terms as the Okmulgee County Assessor, winning by majority vote. This election in 1982 made Nannye the first African-American female to be elected to a county office in the state of Oklahoma. Nannye was commended for this accomplishment and featured in the January 1983 issue of Jet magazine. Nannye remained committed to her work in civil service by volunteering with the Okmulgee County Election Board until her death.

On Sunday, September 22 ^nd , 2019 Nannye was greeted into Heaven by: Her father and mother William and Ella Griffin, twin sons Ronald and Randall, a daughter Janice, five sisters, Della, Gearldine, Evelyn, Maxine, and Espinetta; one brother The Great William (Bill) Griffin Jr., one granddaughter Kimberly and two nephews Jimmie and Clyde that Nannye loved and helped raise like her very own sons.

Those left to cherish her memory are: Her loving husband of 48 years, Charles; four children Deborah, Nathan, Charles Dewayne and Collette; six grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a lifelong best friend that she considered to be more like a sister Bernice Biglow; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Home Going Celebration will be conducted, Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. in Mt Zion Baptist Church, 1500 N. Miami Street, Okmulgee, OK  with her pastor, Elder Charles Williams, (Osage Avenue Christian church), eulogizing.  Interment will follow in Okmulgee Cemetery.

As she had requested, "Nannye" will lie-in-repose in the sanctuary of her home church, (Osage Avenue Christian Church), 1101 E. Smith Street, Okmulgee, OK on Friday, Sept. 27th, during the hours of 12 Noon until 5:30.P.M.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Okmulgee.