(1913 – 1993)
Mary Frances Griggs was born August 15, 1913, in Talladega County, Alabama, the eldest of six children born to Will and Lillie Griggs. She received her elementary and secondary education in the Talladega school systems and began her professional career as a home economics teacher there. She also taught elementary school in Crawfordville, Georgia. She received her B.A. degree from Alabama A&M University in 1952 and began her career as a home demonstration agent that year in Chambers County. She served there for twenty-five years and then transferred to the position of county agent in Cleburne County. She retired from the Extension Service on June 30, 1979.
Miss Griggs consistently went beyond the call of duty during her professional life. She won the 1972 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension Home Economists. While serving as Home Economist for Chambers County, she was a Girl Scout leader for several years. In 1964, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Pine Valley Girl Scout Council for outstanding and dedicated service rendered to girl scouting.
She was a very proud graduate of Alabama A&M University and was a very active alumna. She was a member of the local and national Alabama A&M alumni chapters and served as Chaplain of the national association for five years and a president of the local chapter. She was one of A&M’s most ardent recruiters and for her dedication received a certificate of life membership from the Alabama A&M University Alumni Association.
After her retirement, Mary Frances served as a volunteer leader in numerous roles with the Talladega County Extension program. She was an active member of the county health council and the community resource development group. She gave outstanding leadership to the home economics planning committee and worked to plan and implement programs for “School Days for Retirees.” She often served as a judge for many 4-H competitions and home economics activities.
Mary Frances Griggs passed away on July 24, 1993, in Talladega. She is survived by her three sisters Willie Griggs, Maude Hill, and Mattie Wills, all of Talladega. We honor her life by inscribing her name on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 349
