My Letter to You….

My life on earth has come to an end, but I am resting eternally in the arms of the Lord.  I am surrounded by my loved ones who have gone before me.  Before leaving I took some time to glance back over my life and I'd like to share my life's journey with you.

My name is Rena Mae Griffin, also known as Nanny so lovingly called by many.  My life journey began on December 27 ^th , 1945.  I was the only child born to Elijah Phillips and Rosie Lee Griffin.  I spent my childhood growing up in Bryan, Texas.  It was filled with wonderful memories of spending time with my mother and going to church with my beloved Grandmother.  I enjoyed the many days that I spent with my first cousins JoAnn Griffin and Joyce Griffin.  I graduated high school in 1964 from Bryan High School, Bryan TX. This is where I met and fell in love with my high school sweetheart Walter James McCloud.  Shortly after graduation, my sweetheart asked for my hand in marriage and we relocated to San Diego, California.  Walter and I were joined in marriage on July 2 ^nd , 1964, and from this union one beautiful baby girl was born, whom we affectionately name Margaret.

I continued residing in San Diego for 40 years enjoying my life with my husband and daughter.  Walter preceded me in death September 11 ^th , 1989.  While in San Diego, my work experience began with my employment with San Diego School District and in 1981 I started working for San Diego County until my retirement in 2000.  Things I loved to do is spending time at the casino, eating out, shopping, traveling and the serenity of fishing which was something I learned from my husband.  Above all, I enjoyed every moment shared with my family and friends.

In 2005, I relocated to Tulsa, OK, to be closer to my daughter and her family.  Even though it was not a favorable move, because I was missing the diversity of California, I made the best of it. During my life in Tulsa, I made new friends, church family and still of course went to the casino, oh and let's not forget I was still smoking, even though my daughter despised it. In 2015, I began to experience some health issues.  I must say I fought a good fight and now I rest peacefully with my husband, mother, cousins, and friends.  I am not going to say don't cry, because I know you all will.  What I will say is don't weep to long, because "weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning light."  Enjoy the rest of your life, think of me often and when you do, do a little shout and of course a little dance, because you know that I am resting in the arms of the Lord.  I love you all!!!

Rena aka Nanny

Rena leaves to cherish the memories of her life, her daughter Margaret Striplin (Andre), of Tulsa OK, and grandchildren Wesley Handy (Corrie) and Drea Striplin from Tulsa, OK.  Her second child (goddaughter) Brandi Robertson (Derrick) born to Melinda Currin, of San Diego, CA.  Her first cousin and close friend Joyce Griffin, and other cousins (who called her Aunt Ren): Kim Griffin, Ray Griffin, and Sean Griffin all from her hometown of Bryan, TX, and a host of family and friends.