"When she could not take it anymore, she asked God to "carry me home." The Lord then let her know that her work in this world was done." Annie Madora Durham Griggs was born in Greenville, SC on September 26, 1924 to John Henry Durham and Lora Vance Durham who preceded her in death. She made her transition on Monday, May 19, 2014 at Forsyth Medical Center after a period of deteriorating health.

Annie's life's devotion was to her family and their well-being. As the family's anchor during good and trying times, she was known for being selfless, kind, frugal, and always willing to devote her full attention to making someone else's life better. She was a mother figure to generations of young people who were inspired by her loving, caring nature. Always ready to provide sweet treats to children or adults, Annie was a perfect hostess to anyone who visited her home. She had insight and wisdom and, when asked, gave her motherly advice.

She worked as a cashier in Paisley Junior/Senior High School for 27 years and had been a member of the Eastern Star of Bivouac Lodge #503 serving as secretary for three years until her health began to decline. She was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Winston-Salem since 1936

Annie was married to Spurgeon Dewitt Griggs, Sr. for almost 60 years. He preceded her in death in 2001. Her sister Alice Hooks of Cleveland, OH and brother Phillip Lindsay of Mansfield, OH also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Valjean Guynitia Griggs, Imam Khalid Abdul Fattah Griggs (Safiya), and stepdaughter, Doris Chunn of the city; five grandchildren, Dr. Eric Dewitt Griggs (Danielle) of New Orleans, LA, Atika Griggs Hall of Greensboro, NC, Aneesa Griggs, Aqila Griggs, and Valjean Durham Griggs all of Winston-Salem, NC; 9 great-grandchildren, Gabriel Nieves, Izayiah Nieves, Makayla Hall, Kennedy Griggs, Nariah Nieves, Eli Garrison, Demi Robinette, Nicole; special cousins, Josephine Stokes McGriff, Dexter Sullivan, and Shirley of Simpsonville, SC; special friends, Mrs. Dorothy Dixon, Mrs. Osa Johnson, Mrs. Verna Counts, and Ms. Avis Higgs; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends, including her "little doctors," Jeanette Alexander, Nasira Nubern, and Chante Harris.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, May 24, 2014 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1016 N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC with Rev. Dr. Kendall Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.