County mourns loss of beloved librarian
Robbinsville – As every great story must come to an end, county librarian Mary Griffin’s final chapter concluded Aug. 22.
Griffin’s life inspired many with her love of learning; her beautiful smile; and the perfect list of books for each person she came to know and love when they walked through the doors of the Graham County Public Library.
Griffin passed away at work – sitting at her desk, doing what she loved. Those who had the opportunity to know her grew to love her and many considered her a part of their family. She had a way of making others feel special and significant. Griffin was admired as an educator and worked many years as a teacher before becoming Graham County’s librarian.
After taking on the new role, Griffin became involved with many projects in the county. She was always willing to help others in any way she could. Friends have described her as a “very outgoing, friendly, compassionate, helpful, intelligent and caring person.” Amid the various tributes posted on her Facebook page was this descriptor: “There aren’t enough words to describe how much she loved and brought to the community.”
The Graham County Farmers Market was one of the projects Griffin spearheaded. Her hours of preparation and attendance have given many in the community a place to offer their produce and products to others. She was passionate about having a place where the county could share what it had with others. She saw it as a win-win for everyone involved – and it was.
Growing up, she was raised to respect everyone. Griffin enjoyed reunions, visiting grandparents and relatives, and learned early on the importance of family. She loved playing with cousins and listening to stories about her parents’ past: the mischief they discovered, the hard work they endured living off the land and their appreciation for the mountains.
She often shared memories of listening to her mother tell stories about the constellations as they sat under the stars. Griffin told how her mother would play the guitar and sing them to sleep with songs from their mountain homeland.
Her father was a forester and taught her family to respect the Earth, others and the value of a hard day’s work. She shared her life lessons with the community, providing opportunities such as sewing classes, basket weaving and music lessons at the library. The library became a second home to community members who came to learn new skills or brush up on techniques they had long abandoned.
As a child, Griffin’s parents realized that she was dyslexic. It was the 1960s, and her parents provided projects and hands-on activities for her – as dyslexia was not addressed in the classroom. She believed this early intervention made her a better teacher and librarian, because she learned the importance of different learning styles. She shared the learning styles with students and parents during her years as an educator and a librarian.
Griffin’s memorial service will be held at Robbinsville United Methodist Church on Saturday. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with the memorial service itself beginning at 2 p.m.
Diana Simon left a message on Griffin’s Facebook page, “If Heaven has a library, I’ll find you there.”
A lovely thought: a beautiful child of God doing what she loved to do and sharing her love with others throughout eternity.
That is the definition of a life well spent.