On Wednesday, June 25, 2003, our Lord reached down with his loving hands and gently raised the soul of Alma Ruth Griffith to his glorious light in heaven. Her life can be characterized by warmth, tenderness and love for her family, friends and community.

She was born in Durham, N.C. to the late James Mack and Doria Johns Newton. Preceding her to glory were her four siblings, James, Johnnie, Naomi, and Willistine.

Alma was educated in the Durham Public Schools and reared in the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. She married the late Wallace Evans, also from Durham. To this union was born a daughter, Sonya Gail.

In New York she met and married Earl C. Griffith. From this union was born a daughter, Nicole Seante’. Earl’s daughter, Margo Jane completed the family unit. Seeking their dream home in retirement, the loving couple moved to Suffolk.

In Suffolk she found her spiritual home at First Baptist Church Mahan Street. After Earl’s passing, she moved to Hampton and joined First Baptist.

Alma’s legacy is one of compassion and care-giving. She unselfishly cared for family and helped to raise many children. She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Sonya, Nicole and Margo; three sons-in-law, Roger, Len and Mariole; five grandchildren, Morgan, Nathan, Kevin, Malcolm, and the joyfully anticipated Baby Lauryn; sisters and brother-in-law, Joan, and Eleanor and Clarence, a god-daughter, Martina; a faithful companion, Percy; and many relatives and friends.

The funeral will be held at noon Monday, June 30, in First Baptist King Street, Hampton. Burial will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that all expressions of love and remembrance be in the form of donations to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th St., Newport News.