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Johnnie Alice (Clayton) Griffin, lovingly known as “Johnnie,” passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at the age of 95.
Johnnie was born on March 14, 1931, in Brighton, Alabama. Her life was shaped by faith, family, and strength. She had a lively personality that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. In 1945, her family moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where her father, Omar Frank Clayton, worked on the Manhattan Project. She grew up in the historic “Secret City” during an important time in American history.
Johnnie married her high school sweetheart, Ernest “Toby” Griffin. Together, they built a life full of love, devotion, and resilience. As an Army wife, she traveled often, living in Japan and Hawaii before settling in Titusville, Florida. No matter where they lived, Johnnie made sure her home was always warm, strong, and supportive for her family.
Johnnie was a devoted mother who dedicated her life to raising her four daughters. Her deep faith gave her comfort and strength. She enjoyed simple pleasures like working puzzles, reading, spending time in her Bible, and laughing with friends. While living in Titusville, she especially loved being part of her clogging group, which reflected her joyful and lively spirit. In 2009, Johnnie moved back to Oak Ridge to be closer to family. She was always a steady presence for those she loved, offering strength and a bit of sass that made her truly unique.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest “Toby” Griffin; her daughter, Elaine; her parents, Omar Frank and Viola Pearl Clayton; her brother, Frank “Baldy” Clayton; and her sister, Nadine.
She is survived by her daughters: Terry Walton (and her husband Ron Walton), Kim Rice (and her husband Greg Rice), and Robin Griffin (and her husband James Learmonth). Her grandchildren are Angelique Dejournett, Stalene “Candie” Hall (and her husband Lewis Hall), Griff Gardner, Christy Gambrell (and her partner Marc Rodgers), and Marissa Rice. Her great-grandchildren include Nigel Dejournett and Mason Wilbur, children of Angelique Dejournett; Jacob Gambrell, Dalton Rodgers, and Garrett Rodgers, children of Christy Gambrell; and Jacob Gardner and Nate Gardner, children of Griff Gardner. Her great-great-grandchildren are Prudence Rose Dejournett, daughter of Nigel Dejournett; Oaklee Rodgers, daughter of Dalton Rodgers; and Wilder Rodgers and Weslynn Rodgers, children of Garrett Rodgers.
Johnnie will be remembered for her strength, her faith, her love for her family, and her vibrant spirit. Her legacy continues in the generations she cared for and the many lives she touched.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to the nurses, staff, and hospice caregivers at Viva Senior Living in Oak Ridge for their exceptional care and compassion during Johnnie’s final days. Their kindness will always be remembered.
A graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Park on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 1:00. The family will not be holding a formal visitation.
