Melba Jean Brunson-Griffin

Melba Jean Brunson-Griffin, a beloved figure in her community, passed peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends at the East Georgia Regional Medical Center. Born on June 29, 1951, in Statesboro, Bulloch County, Georgia. Melba was a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend, whose kind and welcoming spirit made her the life of the party.

Melba revealed her remarkable dedication by serving twenty-five years at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, retiring to enjoy the company of her family and friends. A proud graduate of the Public Schools of Bulloch County, Melba completed her education at William James High School in 1969. She was baptized at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served many years.  She later was an attendee of Second Saint John Baptist Church. 

Her passions extended beyond her career; she was an extraordinary cook, and her home became a cherished gathering place for family, especially on Sundays after church. Melba reveled in entertaining both family and friends, always ensuring that her gatherings were filled with warmth and joy. She will be remembered for the love she poured into every meal and celebration.

Melba is survived by her children, Pamela Griffin, Metter, GA and Alton (LaShanda) Griffin, Jr. and Krystal Griffin, both of Statesboro, GA.  She was a nurturing aunt to her nephew, Dewitt (Sonya) Brunson, whom she helped to raise as her own. Melba is also survived by three brothers, Willie Edward (Vickie) Brunson, New York , Jerry Van Brunson, Virginia Beach, VA, Ronnie Brunson, Statesboro; a sister, Marilyn Brunson also of Statesboro, and the apples of her eyes, her 10 grandchildren, Dezmon Griffin, Jaylon Hicks, Zarion Griffin, Amaya Kitchen, Demarion Griffin, Kadence Brown, Zakarion Griffin, Amani Griffin, Haven Griffin and Makenna Griffin who were a source of immense pride and joy throughout her life.

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her in-laws, Howard (Katie) McFadden, Samuel McFadden, Charles (Gwen) Stewart, Cleo Stewart, Gregory Stewart, Pearlie Stewart, Linda (Franklin) Cash, Odis Griffin (Vanessa) Muhammad, Lorie Griffin, Vanessa Griffin, Doris (Eric) Atkinson, Andre (Eric) Griffin, Effie Linkhome, Betty Cantrell, Novella Cammon, Sherry Parrish Booker, and Danny Parrish, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched.

Melba is preceded in death by her parents, Willis Brunson and Willie Bell Summerlin-Brunson, and siblings, Bettye Sue Williams-Hall, Roosevelt "Jack" Brunson, Sr., Clarence "Bobby" Brunson, JoAnn Brunson-Donaldson, Clifton Brunson, and Alfonzo Brunson.

A Celebration of Life celebrating the Life and Legacy of Mrs. Griffin will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the Agape Worship Center,  810 West Grady Street, Statesboro, GA 30458, with the pastor Elder Donald Chavers, Jr., Officiating.  Burial will be in the Mt. Pisgah Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at a walk-through visitation on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The legacy of Melba Jean Brunson-Griffin will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, as she was a source of kindness and laughter, a pillar of strength for her family, and a friend to many. Her memory will be cherished by those whose lives she has forever impacted.