Mrs. Janie Mae Griffin

Janie Mae Griffin affectionally known as “Lil Mama” was born June 7,1946 to the late Lillie Mae Jones and James Fowler, who was the 1st black police officer in Blytheville, Arkansas.

Janie’s family relocated to Lilbourn, Missouri where she graduated from Lilbourn East High School. There she met Leroy Banks Sr. whom she married in 1964, that same year they moved to Chicago, IL and from that union came Leroy Jr, Sandra, and Yolanda Banks.

Janie started working for Cook Electric company where she devoted 20 years of service.

Janie was full of life and love, and boy could she dance!! She taught her kids and grandkids how to “Chicago Step.”  She had a passion for bingo & bowling where traveled and accumulated trophies galore.

Janie accepted Christ at an early age and was a dedicated member of Unity of Love Baptist Church on Chicago’s south side for 15 years where she later met and married James Griffin who preceded her in death. From that union came Robin Denise (Niecy) Griffin.

Janie furthered her career working for US Robotics for over 10 years and later moved to Hertz Car Rental where she worked until the day she made her transition, February 25, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillie Mae (Lorenzo Sr.) Jones & James Fowler, her husband James Griffin, her brothers Lee Edward & Eric Jones and her son in law Daryle Houston Sr.

Janie was a faithful member at First Church of God Christian Life Center in Evanston, IL where she loved her Pastor Monte L.G. Dillard Sr. Janie leaves to cherish in her beautiful memory, her Siblings: Lorenza Jr., Melvin (Diane), Gregory (Tiffany), and Darlene Jones. Her children: Leroy (Yvonne) Banks Jr., Sandra (Daryle Sr) Banks-Houston, Yolanda (Niguy) Banks-King, and Robin (Antonio) Griffin. Her grandchildren: LaShanda (Cassius), Nakia (George), Terrence, Gabrielle, Christian, Daryle Jr, Joshua, Evan, Emmanuel, Ya’Ron, and Jaaziah. Eleven great grandchildren, two sisters in love: Darlene Griffin-Watts & Evangelist Marie Wilson; as well as host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette - Funeral Director 

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