Betty Pauline Smith "Polly" Griffin

Betty Pauline Smith “Polly” Griffin, passed away peacefully at her home in Kernersville NC Saturday, September 13th surrounded by her family.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted 3:00 P.M. Sunday September 21, 2025 in Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Heath Lloyd officiating.

 She was born in Siler City, North Carolina to James Ulysses Smith and Callie Frances Keller Smith on April 21, 1932. She was the youngest of their eleven children. Polly was dearest to her father. Her sisters often shared a story of how their Dad would literally pick her up from the school bus stop and never let her feet touch the ground until they arrived home, while her siblings walked in mud up to their ankles! Polly grew up on Cunningham Mill in Monroeton, NC, attended Monroeton School and Reidsville High School. In high school she fell in love with a local boy, Donald Griffin. After graduation from High School, Polly was employed with Sears Mail Order in Greensboro. Polly and Donald continued to date while Donald attended NCSU and Polly worked. They were married February 26, 1955 after Donald graduated with a Civil Engineering degree. Unsatisfied with the work of a civil engineer Donald applied and was accepted at UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. Polly worked diligently for the next four years to support her husband through Dental School. In 1960 Donald graduated from Dental School and Polly gave birth to their first son, Bruce. Polly cherished her role of being a full-time mother and delivered a second son, Mark in 1961, a third, David in 1966, and fourth, Ken in 1971. Polly loved her boys! Polly and Donald were married for 52 years until Donald passed away in 2007.

Polly relished the time with her family and always hosted family birthdays and holidays at her home…mostly while her sisters did all the cooking and clean up! (She was a smart woman!). Polly enjoyed reading love stories, watching soap operas and the show Big Brother! She also had a deep affection for baby rabbits and kittens. Joy filled her heart when she and Donald became grandparents. Polly was a kid at heart and loved playing with her grandchildren…Nerf gun battles, hide n go seek…all while she was baking (burning) brownies and chocolate chip cookies! There were few rules ever enforced at Grandma’s house—

Polly was proceeded in death by her parents, James Ulysses Smith and Callie Frances Keller Smith, six brothers: George Herman “Al” Smith, Offit Smith, Barney Cohen “Joe” Smith, Edward Owen “Caney” Smith, James Clifton Smith, and Paul Thomas Smith, four sisters: Rosetta “Ett” Teague, Lucille Johnson, Blanche Hepler, and Madeline Parrott. Her husband, Dr. Donald Clayton Griffin DDS, and Grandson, Stephen Bruce Griffin.

She leaves behind, sons, Donald Bruce Griffin and wife Colette, Mark Steven Griffin and wife Andrea, David Paul Griffin and wife Leslie, Kenneth Scott Griffin and wife Angela. Five Grandchildren; Samantha Griffin Donley and husband John Michael, Andrew Griffin, Ethan Griffin, Keely Griffin, and Zaddock Griffin.  

We celebrate Polly’s long life, one filled with love and laughter, supported by a strong family and GREAT friends! We love you and we will miss you Mama, Grandma, Polly—

A Special THANKS to Trellis Supportive Care of Forsyth County and their dedicated staff!

The family extends a sincere heart felt appreciation to her caregivers, Rebecca Chaney, Aspen Wiles, Cathy Buchanan, and Donna Buchanan. Thank you for your years of loyal service!    Miss Polly loved each of you!

Citty Funeral Home is assisting the Griffin family. Online condolences may be sent to: www.cittyfh.com 

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