Elder Dennis Lamont Griffin

Dennis Lamont Griffin was born on November 7, 1967, in Chicago, IL, to Cora Lee Griffin and Robert Griffin. Dennis was blessed with a “second dad” when his mom married Van Waller, Jr. Dennis departed from his earthly vessel on Friday, August 27, 2021, and gained his just reward of eternal life. Dennis grew up and was educated on the west side of Chicago. He graduated from Rezin Orr High School and continued his education by attending Harold Washington Community College. In his youth, Dennis attended The Earl Bedford School of Music. Those lessons would later enable him to become a skilled organist where he shared his gift with choirs, groups, gospel singers, and churches. While growing up in Chicago, Dennis was blessed to have life-long friends, referred to as brothers. Michael Thurston, Timothy Ballenger, and Dante Perkins were his brothers for over 40 years. Their friendship truly lasted a lifetime. Dennis was baptized at an early age, and upon death was a dedicated and faithful member of Sun Rise Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Anthony Jones. During his lifetime, Dennis became a licensed minister in 1999. He was later ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ and a Baptist Minister for the State of Illinois. Dennis and Angela met in 1988 at Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the musician staff. They were married for 31 years. Throughout their life together, Dennis and Angela created a family of six, known as the “Alphabets.” He was a devoted husband, father, and pawpee. Dennis had a personality that allowed him to work in various capacities during his lifetime. Dennis enjoyed people, and he never met a stranger. He worked for the United States Postal Service for over 15 years and served as the Minister of Music for Corinthian Temple Church of God in Christ of Chicago, IL, until the Lord called him home. No matter where Dennis was employed, if you knew him, you knew he would be on an organ or piano, sharing his gift, as well. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Griffin, Cora Lee Waller, and Van Waller, Jr. Dennis leaves to cherish memories: his wife of 31 years, Angela Griffin; his “Alphabets”, his children, Candace (Ira Sr.) Dobson of West Lafayette, IN, Britainy (Jordan) Montague of Springfield, IL, Eyan Griffin of Houston, TX, and Felisea Griffin of Killeen, TX; his prides and joy, his grandchildren, Chastity Williams, Ira Dobson, Jr., Ashlee Yemoh, Marlee Yemoh, Caiylin Dobson, RaiLynn Williams, Romeo Montague, Hailee Montague, and (coming September 2021) Hayden Griffin; special sons, Emmanuel Yemoh of Alsip, IL, and Ramah Williams of Sauk Village, IL; godchildren, Arrie, Desiree, Zyaria, Zacchaeus, Alexis, Tyra, Walter, Olivia, Iyla, Kyla, Kurtis Jr., Kayla, and Karli; stepmother, Edna Griffin of Chicago, IL; godmother, Barbara Cook of Oak Park, IL; sisters, Kimberly (Kurtis Sr.) Waites of Joliet, IL, Darlene Gordon of Villa Park, IL, and JaLeesa (Sean) George of Greenwood, IN; brothers from other mothers, Michael (Gina) Thurston, Dante (Towanda) Perkins, and Timothy (Stephanie) Ballenger; mother-in-law, Sharon Bennett-Early of Killeen, TX; brother-in-law, Robert (Angie) Rush of Pflugerville, TX; sisters-in-law, Karen Rush of Minnesota, Lisa (William) Holyfield of Avon, IN, Paulette (Torrence Sr.) Varvarro of Staten Island, NY, and Michelle Early of Killeen, TX; special friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and all his “adopted” children.

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