By AFRO Staff

Cardrienne Perrin Griffin was born on September 18, 1933, in Raleigh, North Carolina.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia State University in Elementary Education, in 1954, and later served as president of the Virginia State Alumni Association.  She dedicated her professional life to teaching.  Her teaching career began in Charlotte, North Carolina, but spent her final 17 years as a teacher in the Baltimore City Public Schools.

In 1958, Griffin married the love of her life, James M. ‘Jim’ Griffin, a physical therapist.  Upon her retirement from teaching, Cardrienne joined Jim at his firm, Griffin Associates P.A., as an administrator. During the 1960’s, the couple was active in the civil rights movement, in Baltimore, while raising a family in the Fairmount neighborhood.

Cardrienne Perrin Griffin with her husband, James M. ‘Jim’ Griffin. (Courtesy photo)

Cardrienne was well-loved for her big personality.  She brought humor and lightness to the most serious situations.  Her calm, yet strong-willed manner, put people at ease while moving them to action.  She offered herself as a mentor and ‘second mother’ to many.

Cardrienne gave freely of herself to numerous community causes, boards, and organizations.  She was co-founder and four term president of Women Behind the Community “Wo-Be-Co” She was a member of The Links, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, past president of the Spock-ette’s , and a life member of the NAACP to name a few of her numerous affiliations.

She volunteered at the ‘Dressing Room’ under the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, and ‘Eating Together Wednesdays’ at the Ivy Family Support Center. She served as a member of the Coppin State College Foundation Board, Maryland 4 C’s Advisory Board, and the Epsilon Omega Foundation Board of Directors, the Maryland Committee for Children and Modern Grannies.

She received many awards and honors for her service.  Among the many from her sorority, were:  a Golden Soror Award and Howard L. Cornish Humanitarian Award, as well as Most Prestigious Chapter award under her leadership.  She received a Harlow Fulwood, Jr. Service Above Service Award in 2002.

A staple of Cardrienne’s life was being active in her community. She was past secretary of the Fairmount Neighborhood Association and editor of the Fairmount Fanfare and secretary and college tour coordinator for the Inter-Alumni Council of Black Colleges and Universities from 1983-93.

She leaves to mourn her loving husband of 60 years, James M. ‘Jim’ Griffin; eldest Daughter, Cheryl Threat, youngest daughter, Jewel Linzey, and son, Malcolm Griffin; two sons-in-law, Jay Threat and Dean Shannon; eight grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and family.  She was preceded in death by her middle daughter, Debra Lynne Shannon.

Cardrienne was a long-time member of Bethel AME Church in Baltimore.  Funeral services will be held at Bethel on April 21, preceded by a viewing and family hour Friday evening.