Griffin, Alyce Louise Carter

Started her life’s journey May 3, 1918 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, born to the union of Harold Jewel and Matilda Louise Carter. Alyce matriculated through the public schools there and upon graduation from William Penn High School, entered Howard University in Washington D. C., majoring in Law.

In 1940, during her stay at Howard, she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and became a Lifetime Member.

In 1945 Alyce came to Chicago to visit her college roommate, and secured a job with the Law Firm of John Kavanaugh. On August 4, 1946, she married Ernest A. Griffin. In 1947, together they purchased the Bell Auto and Undertaking Company, from his father Stephen A. Griffin, and for the next 50 years they worked hand in hand to operate what became the world- renowned Griffin Funeral Home, Ltd.

Alyce enjoyed participating in civic organizations such as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, as well as the Service Guild at Metropolitan Community Church, The Woodlawn Boys and Girls Organization, The Cook County Funeral Home Owner’s Association, joining her husband in the National Funeral Directors’ Association, the Illinois Funeral Directors’ Association and Federation Internationale des Associations de Thanatologues ( FIAT)lnternational Federation of Thanatologists Associations ( IFTA).

In 1995, Ernest passed away and Alyce, along with their two daughters and granddaughter, all of whom were licensed Funeral Directors and Embalmers, continued to carry on the business until closing on December 31, 2007.

In 2008, Alyce’s next journey began when she moved into The Clare, where she had a wonderful and fulfilling retirement life, and was cared for by the loving and supportive staff throughout the building.

Alyce’s last journey started 9: 40 a. m. Tuesday, February 28, 2017, when she was re- united with her husband, parents, and many loving friends. She left life instructions for her two daughters, Ethel Dawn Griffin- O’Neal ( James K.) and Pearl Griffin; granddaughter, Suzanne Griffin- Garcia ( Felipe); great- granddaughter, Sasha Garcia; greatgrandson, Tiano Garcia; niece, Lorne Cress Love; nephew, Steve Griffin; grandnephew, Trace Lawrence; former employees and many friends.

Services will be held Sunday, March 12, 2017. Visitation 4: 00 p. m. Memorial 4: 30 p. m. at The Clare ( Chapel, 19th Floor), 55 E. Pearson Street, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alyce’s name to: Rush University Medical Center for the Rush Memory & Aging Project, 1700 W. Van Buren, Suite 250, Chicago, IL 60612.

Arrangements by Unity Funeral Parlors, Inc., 4114 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago ( 773- 624- 2703).