Jean Willis Griffis

Private Graveside Services for Mrs. Jean Willis Griffis will be held Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Chunky Cemetery with the Reverend Dr. Mike Carr officiating. Interment will follow funeral rites. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mrs. Griffis, 93, of Marion, formerly of Chunky and Philadelphia passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at her home

Mrs. Jean was a retired owner and automotive dealer of Griffis Motors in Philadelphia, MS. She was a member of Highland Baptist Church. Jean started working for the Ford dealership in Meridian, MS in 1949, where she worked for Five dealers. After working in Meridian for 30 years Ford Motor Company approached her to partner with the local dealer in Philadelphia. During her working career, she earned the knowledge she needed and the respect of Ford Motor Company. In 1981 she was awarded a Franchise and the Dealership became Griffis Ford Mercury.

Jean was the first woman in the Southeastern Region to be awarded a franchise that was not owned by a husband or father, a fact that Jean was very proud of. In 1986, a new building was built and the dealership became Griffis Motors which carry products of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram and employees twenty-six people.

Because of her love for her employees and the importance of education, a scholarship had ben established for the children of employees who plan to attend college. So far over a dozen scholarships have been awarded.

Mrs. Jean is survived by her children, Bill Griffis, Dana Carson and Carol Brown (Huff); grandchildren, Tracy Barber, Laura Baucum (Jackie), Cade Carson, Jennifer Settlemires (Steve), Wright Griffis (Leslie) and Addison Griffis (Jamie); eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Mrs. Griffis is preceded in death by her husband W.H. “Pat” Griffis of Chunky, MS.

The Griffis family suggest that memorials be made as donations to Highland Baptist Church Youth Fund in Meridian, MS or to Trinity Baptist Church Youth Fund in Philadelphia, MS in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.