Verma Jewell Wright Griffin
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Visitation for Jewell Griffin of Lawrence, Kansas, will be held at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, July 30, 2018. Jewell died peacefully at home on July 24, 2018, at the age of 94. She was loved by so many.
Jewell was born Verma Jewell Wright in Lamar County, Alabama, but later in life, she would tell anyone who asked her name, “Diamonds, sapphires, or rubies—I don’t care what Jewell you call me as long as it’s something pretty.” She was the first of six children born to Lester Hoy Wright and Frances Addine Butler Wright. After graduating from Millport High School in 1943, she moved with her family to Aliceville, Alabama. Shortly after, while living with her sister in Raleigh, North Carolina, she met Seth T. “Buddy” Griffin, Jr., who was from Lawrence, Kansas, and approaching the end of his military service at Fort Bragg. They were married on September 30, 1955. He and Jewell were happily married until his death in August 2017.
After his discharge from the army, Buddy brought Jewell and her daughter from a previous marriage, Teresa, to Lawrence. Betty Sue, Buddy and Jewell’s second daughter, was born nearly a year later. During their marriage, Jewell worked several jobs in Lawrence, but she preferred the role of homemaker.
Jewell is survived by her daughters Teresa Frances Griffin Guntert of Lawrence and Betty Sue Griffin Palmer (and husband Hank) of Holt, Missouri. Three grandchildren survive her: Jordan Schyler Guntert of Lawrence; Ehren David Guntert (and wife Breanna) of Dallas, Texas; and Tayler Frances Guntert of Denver, Colorado. She is survived by two step granddaughters, Heather (Greg) Lowry of Tumwater, Washington, and Rebecca (Clark) Deisseroth of Kansas City, Missouri, and by her step great-granddaughter Anna Lowry. Also surviving are two sisters and a brother: Dessie Sue Wright Woodruff of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Betty Jean Wright Shamburger of Spotsylvania, Virginia; and Bernice Edward Wright of Aliceville, Alabama. She was predeceased by her brothers J.T. Wright and James Edward Wright of Aliceville, Alabama, along with her son-in-law David Robert Guntert of Lawrence, Kansas. Jewell was blessed with a wealth of nieces and nephews all of whom loved her and she loved very much. Related to Jewell and Buddy by the pleasure of many years of friendship and neighborly kindnesses, John and Helen Renick of Lawrence also survive Jewell and Buddy.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Chris Tsuglis from the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association for an abundance of kind and compassionate care for Jewell during her final year. The Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association is suggested for memorials, which may be sent care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Most sincere sympathies to the family. Had the pleasure of knowing this great couple and working with Buddy a few years before his retirement. May they both rest in peace together.
Having been a neighbor of Buddy & Jewell for the last 43 yrs. I find it hard to realize they both have left us. Will never forget all the great times we had together. Buddy & Jewell will always be remembered.
John & Helen Renick
I worked for many years with Jewell at Carol Lee’s. She was a very special lady, and I hope she is at peace now, with Buddy.
We lived next door to Buddy and Jewell for 16 years. What wonderful neighbors they were! Jewell was always so kind and caring.
I met her through their daughter BettySue. She had such a kind and gentle spirit.
Rhonda Powers
I will never forget Buddy and Jewell. I could not have asked for better neighbors these last 15 years! Jewell shined brighter than the most sparkling diamond and I will miss her so much. My condolences to the family members.
So sorry Betty Sue. Cherish her memories. You are in my prayers.
Shari Cox
We were blessed to know and love Jewel during the many years she worked for our parents at Carol Lee Donuts. She will be truly missed.
Laura Landgrebe (Moore)
Lisa Flanders (Moore)
Note: Having lost her endearing husband and Jewell’s grandchildren losing their daddy and granddaddy a year prior to her passing, made for a most traumatic and most difficult moment for Jewell’s Firstborn Daughter, Teresa and Jewell’s natural blood born grandsons, Ehren and Jordan Guntert and granddaughter, Tayler. Betty Sue conveniently included photos of all of Jewell’s family that meant something to Betty Sue, including step children and step grandchild, along with Jewell’s sisters, nieces and nephews in this above tribute, leaving out Jewell’s first born daughter, Teresa and Jewell’s two grandsons (thank you for including her granddaughter, Tayler), however. Jewell supported and gave her deepest love and care to Teresa and her children along with deceased husband of 39 years, David, who was the son she did not have until 1978. She was thrilled to have received endearing love and attention from all of us with beautiful memories of joy in return. I love you, deeply, Momma, your grandchildren loved and adored you and thank you for the beautiful and fun memories that your grandchildren and myself along with our departed David, will carry in our hearts for eternity. Thank you for your giving of yourself and the close knit relationship with all of us Griffin-Guntert family…gone but not forgotten.