Tributes

Mr. Charles Curtis Griffin was called home by our Lord and Savior on November 5, 2025. He was born on October 22, 1939 to the late Mrs. Rebecca Flynn Griffin and the late Mr. Harold Griffin in Pantego, NC. He attended the Beaufort County High School, Pantego, NC. He was known as Curtis to family and friends. Curtis gave his life to Christ at an early age. He was baptized by Rev. Norman and became a member of Morning Star Church in Pantego, NC. After attending the Beaufort County High School and working on farms, he joined the Army and was very proud of the time he served. Curtis moved to Brooklyn, NY and was later joined by his high school sweetheart, Verdie Spencer and they were soon married. From that union, three children were born Cynthia, CJ, and Rita. He was a dedicated family man, a hard worker with several hobbies, and was a great storyteller that could light up the room. Though it was hard to tell if some of the stories were true or made up, people listened intently and shared a lot of laughter. He ensured that his family was provided for by completing the rigorous General Electric (GE) Appliance Repair Training Course and became a Certified Appliance Repair Technician. He was one of the few Black GE appliance technicians in Brooklyn, NY and became a union delegate. Before being injured on the job, his main hobbies were hunting, fishing and cooking and he was a master in all of them. His love for cooking indoors or grilling was a favorite for him until his failing health. On family gatherings at Thanksgiving, Curtis would add his secret dish of wild game smothered in gravy such that no one would know what it was. Some guests passed on that dish. He loved to wear cowboy outfits and later he joined a Native American Tribe and was known as Chief Loud Fox. Also, Curtis served as manager for the Pantego home grown band called Teddy and the Counts that formed in New York. Curtis was a greeting card person and ensured that he purchased cards for Verdie on birthdays, anniversaries, mother’s day and Valentine Day. Even in failing health when he could not go to the store, he had Rita to pick up various cards for him so he could give them to her. Curtis was really happy when he received surprised visits from his granddaughters Monique and Kymberli with their husbands and children this year. He was so proud of them, and their success in life. God blessed Curtis and Verdie to share 65 years of marriage. He was very thoughtful to her throughout their marriage. He ensured that she got to the subway station at 3:00am to be at work at 5:00am. Curtis drove Verdie to church every Sunday. Also, he would meet her at the bus stop after working and shopping so he would not have to worry about her getting home safely. This was just the kind of family man that he was. Also, Curtis was a real handyman around the house. He was very crafty with handmade tools and made many small household repairs. A special blessing for our Angel, daughter Rita, for all of the time and effort she spent helping Curtis and I whenever needed. She continues to help me now and she sacrifices her time so that she is available for me. We both love her so much. In addition to his parents, Curtis was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Darling; sisters, Massie Griffin, Rosie Roberts (Glen), and Beatrice Kemp (Eli); brother, Jefferson Griffin; and niece, Janice Rodman. Curtis leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Verdie of Brooklyn, NY; son, CJ Griffin of Delaware; daughter, Rita Griffin of Brooklyn, NY; brother, Edward Griffin (Jackie) of Pantego, NC; three granddaughters, Karimah Griffin of Brooklyn, NY, Monique May (Cedrick) of Macon, GA and Kymberli Jean (Wilnor) of Atlanta, GA; one grandson, Michael Darling of Columbus, GA; three great granddaughters, Naomi May, Nilah May and Zora Jean; nieces, Roxie Griffin, Doloris Griffin, Kimberly Kemp, Sabrina Griffin, Somers, Jennifer Lee, Lavette, Valencia Burrus, and Tonya Griffin; nephews, Davey Griffin and Bruno Griffin; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Charles Curtis Griffin

October 22, 1939 - November 5, 2025