Corene Perkins (Perkins) Griggs

Mother Corene Perkins Griggs was the daughter of Smith Perkins and Rosa Burns Perkins. She was born on March 1, 1936, in Thomasville, Thomas County, Georgia. Corene was one of eleven children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Mattie Lee Mitchell, Christine McCray, R. J. Perkins, L. C. Perkins, Smith Junior Perkins, and Jan Perkins.

Growing up, Mother Griggs lived in her native Thomas County where she attended the public school in her community. She worked as a certified nursing assistant and a most responsible homemaker for Doctor Charlie Watt and his family throughout most of her employment years.

On October 23, 1955, Corene Perkins married the “love of her life,” Elder Alvin James Griggs. To Alvin and Corene’s union, five children were born. Corene’s “Alvin” passed away on July 27, 2015, after more than 60 years of marriage.

A devout Christian, Mother Griggs confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior many years ago. She was a devoted lifelong member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church where she dutifully served as a church mother, member of the motherboard, on the hospitality committee, in Sunday school, and through Bible study faithfully.  Mother Griggs supported her husband in his positions as state president and as moderator of the South Georgia Primitive Baptist Association. Mother Griggs rose to become vice president of the Women's Congress in the South Georgia Primitive Baptist Association.

On Saturday, December 10, 2022, God Almighty summoned His servant child, Mother Corene Perkins Griggs, home for eternal rest.

Her love and legacy will be cherished forever by her children, Al (Barbara) Griggs, Michael Griggs, Elder Jeffery (Linda) Griggs, Jennifer Mitchell, and Marcus Griggs, all of Thomasville, GA; those she cared for, nurtured, and loved, William Adams, Beverly Adams of Valdosta, GA, James (Shyletha) Adams of Thomasville, GA, and Keith Phelps (Betty) Griggs of Chicago, IL; three sisters, Ruth Wilson of Albany, GA, Vera Williams of Thomasville, GA, and Debra Thomas of Cairo, GA; two brothers, Floyd Perkins of Thomasville, GA, and Milton Perkins of West Palm Beach, FL; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends.