Anita J. Periman Griffin

Anita Griffin, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. She was born in Dallas, Texas, and spent much of her life dedicated to family, teaching, and nurturing those around her. Anita’s life was marked by a deep commitment to education and to the people she loved. She met her future husband, James V. Griffin Jr., through a unique family connection—his brother Bill was married to Anita’s sister, Margaret. During James's military service in post-World War II Germany, he and Anita exchanged letters that would begin a love story lasting decades. Upon his return, they began dating and were married on December 23, 1955. At the time, Anita was teaching school in Van Alstyne, Texas. She stepped away from her career to raise their growing family, but her passion for education never waned. In 1963, she returned to the classroom at Pleasant Run Elementary in Lancaster, Texas, where she positively impacted the lives of countless students. Anita held a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of North Texas and a Master’s Degree in Home Economics from Texas Woman’s University. She was a kind, gentle, and loving presence-someone who saw the best in people and believed deeply in the power of learning. Anita was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, James V. Griffin Jr.; her son, James David Griffin; and her parents, Boyce Periman and Ola Mae Gill Periman. She is survived by her children: Eva Burrow and husband Randy, Karen McClary, and Darrell Griffin and wife Tiffany Chambers-Griffin. She leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren: Jennifer McClary, Julie McClary, Jordan McClary, Jillian McClary, and John Slaughter; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Byrum Funeral Home in Lancaster, Texas. A celebration of Anita’s life will take place on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Edgewood Cemetery in Lancaster. Anita Griffin will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and students. Her memory lives on in the lives she touched.

Anita J. Periman Griffin

August 14, 1935 - July 21, 2025