Kathryn Isabelle Griggs

Southampton native Kathryn Isabelle Griggs died on August 15 in Los Angeles, California, of cancer. She was 65.

Born February 17, 1943, in Southampton, to David and Nellie Griggs, she was the youngest of 13 children. Her parents died when she was very young and so she was raised by her sisters, Annie, Shirley and Queenie Griggs. She received a Christian education and training at Kings Chapel Church of God in Christ in Southampton, under the leadership of Dr. J.A. King.

While attending Southampton High School, she went on to live with Elizabeth Buckner and her family. Ms. Buckner continued to oversee Ms. Griggs’s Christian training: She could always be found in church, be it for Sunday School, morning service, afternoon service, or with the Young People Willing Workers group.

For a brief period she worked at Rowe Industries in Sag Harbor, before she and her daughter Angela Griggs moved in 1970 to Los Angeles, where she worked in retail and fashion design, while attempting to pursue a career in music. She performed at Disneyland for eight years, and traveled extensively overseas, performing in Japan. She was on the board of the Jazz Mentorship Program and was involved in charitable work.

In November 1987, Ms. Griggs joined the West Angeles Church of God in Christ and became an active member under the leadership of Bishop Charles E. Blake. She attended Bible classes and was in the church choir.

Ms. Griggs dedicated her life to Christ and studying the Bible. Survivors said that she loved the Lord with all her heart and constantly prayed for her family—the love of her life was her daughter.

In addition to her daughter, Angela, she is survived by three sisters, Annie Williams of East Patchogue, Queenie Cox of Brooklyn, and Mary and her husband Timothy Johnson of Staten Island; and two brothers, John Griggs of New York City and Everett Griggs and his wife Mildred of Virginia. In addition, she is also survived by two foster brothers, Daniel “Eddie Jr.” Hatcher and Jeffrey Jeffries, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A viewing was held on August 25 at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. The viewing continued on August 26 at Kings Chapel Church of God in Christ, where a funeral service was held, with Dr. Earl V. Grigg delivering the eulogy. Interment was at Southampton Cemetery.