Nancy Lou Gilbert Griffin, a lifelong resident of Churchland, Virginia, passed away at the age of 89 on October 6, 2023. She was the only child of Andrew Gregory Gilbert and Louise Herbert Ferebee Gilbert. She was a widow since her husband, Jack Eric Griffin, preceded her in death in 1996. She is survived by three children: Benjamin Lawrence Barnes, III (Sheila) of Greenville, SC; Erica Lynn Griffin Butler (Mike) of Suffolk, VA; and David Hunter Griffin of Richmond, VA; and one grandchild, Sarah Elizabeth Butler of Suffolk, VA. Mrs. Griffin graduated from Churchland High School in 1950 and from Longwood College in 1954. She was certified to teach English, French and Social Studies including History. She taught high school after graduating college and then was a mother and housewife for many years. She taught at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (1976-1980), Sweethaven Christian School (1980-1984) and at Portsmouth Public Schools (1984-1997). She continued to work as a substitute teacher and private tutor until 2000. Mrs. Griffin was Teacher of the Year at Cradock High School in 1992. She was an accomplished pianist and played for the Men’s Sunday School Class at Churchland Baptist Church for many years. She was an avid (one book per day) reader of all things historical especially subjects concerning the British Empire, US presidents, local history and animals. She could recite the genealogical history for the founding families of Churchland and never had an outing without meeting a friend or former high school student. If she did not know you personally then she usually knew three or four generations of people in your family tree. She was a wonderful giving mother, devoted wife and outstanding, gifted and memorable teacher. Her dry wit and keen intellect shall be sorely missed. Interment will be private at the Churchland Baptist Church cemetery. Cremation Society of Virginia is handling the arrangements. Please contribute to Best Friends Animal Society, Post Office Box 567, Kanab, UT 84741-0567 in lieu of flowers. You may send your online condolences to www.vacremationsociety.com.