Betty Jo Griffin, 81, of Canton, GA and formerly of Conyers, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 21, 2011. A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, she was born in Eastman, GA as the only child of Joel Edward and Mattie Dykes Rawlins Butler. She was a graduate of Middle Georgia College in Cochran, GA and attended Georgia State University. She met her future husband, Hollis, while at Middle Georgia College. Married in 1950, they had celebrated 61 years of marriage.

She taught school in Chauncey, GA for one year before beginning a long career with the State of Georgia. Her employment began with the Department of Labor, Education, Teachers Retirement System and in 1954 began work with the State Department of Defense. She retired in 1983 with 34 years of State service. Upon her retirement she was named one of two State Employees of the Year from the Department of Defense and was honored with other State employees at the State Capitol in numerous events.

Mrs. Griffin was a member of Holly Springs UMC in Canton. She was a former member of Heritage Hills Baptist Church in Conyers and Glenwood Hills Baptist Church in Lithonia where she taught Sunday School for many years.

Betty Jo is survived by her husband, Hollis, who is a native of Ocilla, GA. She was especially proud of her family and grandchildren. Their two sons are Richard and Reg. Richard resides in Woodstock with his wife, Karen and their twin sons, Zachary Hollis and Tyler Jackson. Reg resides in Canton with his wife, Lori and their daughters, Holli Elizabeth and Emily Lauren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, December 26, 2011 at 3 p.m. at Scot Ward's Green Meadow Chapel with Pastor Joe Hughes officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. At the request of the deceased, the body was cremated. Betty Jo and Hollis wish to thank all their friends and relatives who have been so kind and supportive through the years during her long illness with congestive heart failure.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to be made to Holly Springs United Methodist Church, 2464 Holly Springs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30115.

Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.