Lena Katherine (Watkins) Griffin

Lena Katherine (Watkins) Griffin, born November 14, 1958, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on July 21, 2025, at 10:38 p.m. She was surrounded by family and a lot of love. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Lena lived her life as a testament to grace, creativity, devotion to her family, resilience, and happiness.

A proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Lena earned her degree in International Affairs and Political Science. She used her talents to pour beauty and care into everything she touched—from digital canvases to delicate handmade dolls. She was a gifted artist, a patient knitter, an amazing musician, a passionate graphic designer, and a lifelong creator with an eye for wonder. She never stopped learning new things. Lena spoke four languages and travelled abroad to Israel, Brazil, and Europe.

She was known lovingly as her daughter's “lentil bean” and affectionately called “Chocolate Cookie” by her beloved husband. Everything she touched bloomed. Loyal, considerate, loving, hilarious, and faithful, she embodied these traits with a quiet strength that drew people close and kept them there. She held her family together and kept everyone grounded.

Her Christian faith was not just a belief but the foundation of her life. She was an active member of her church, a prayer warrior, and a woman who led with humility, grace, and joy in Christ. She was never bound by fear and encouraged everyone around her to stay strong. Lena came to know the Lord as a young lady growing up in the African Episcopal Church in Milwaukee and later as a member of several non-denominational churches, including Dominion Life, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, and Church on the Rock. Lena was an active worshiper and was part of several music ministries over her life, and participated in small group ministry leadership. Lena was an avid Bible student and participated in several women's prayer groups.

Lena is survived by the love of her life, Clifton Griffin; her daughter, Kendall Griffin; her sister, Susan Watkins; her aunt, Mae James; her nephew Joseph Hamiel; her nieces, Gemma Hamiel, and Myia Mitchell; her cousins, Audra Grant, April Grant, and Jyll Elise Geter; her great nieces, Lauren Spraggs and Monyca Elise Bamisebi; and a myriad of other family members. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Juantia Watkins; her aunts, Evelyn Grant and Doris Brown; and her sisters, Gloria and Linda Watkins.

There are both dreamers and realists in this world. The dreamers need the realists to keep them from flying too close to the sun, and the realists need the dreamers because without them, they would never fly at all. Lena was them both. She inspired the dreamers to dream while also reminding them of reality, and she inspired the realists to live while also praising their rationality. And oh my god, what a wonderful life she lived.

All are welcome to join us via live stream on this memorial page at

2:00 PM on WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2025,

as we celebrate the life of our beloved Lena. Click the link below:

Celebration of Life for Lena Katherine (Watkins) Griffin

Meeting ID: 761 3596 9939

Passcode: GRIFFIN

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