Sherlene Griffin

We celebrate the homegoing of Sherlene Griffin (Sanders) who was affectionately known as “Sherl” by some and “Sterl” by others. Sherlene began this life on August 6, 1951. Sherlene was born to the late Sterling Lynch and Bernice Sanders in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the first child born to Bernice Sanders. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age. Sherlene felt at home in church and often made church her home. She was a faithful church member and loved the Lord with all of her heart. She enjoyed bible study, serving in the church, and singing in the choir. Sherlene was married at a young age to James Alfred Griffin, Jr. and birthed three children. Later, she birthed three children with Ronald Bady. She taught her children strong family values about how the older is to look out for the younger and the importance of education. Sherlene was truly a trendsetter. She was the first in her family to attend and complete higher education. She was always passionate about education. As a young girl, her game of choice was to play school and she would always be the teacher. Her dream to become a teacher became a reality in her adult life. Sherlene began her career as a Director of Dunn Center Early Childcare-Preschool Center from 1986-1996. She went on to become an ABE teacher with a TESOL Certification for the St. Louis Public Schools System for KG- 6th Grade. Sherlene was a self-directed educator with more than 30+ years of experience in Early Childhood & Elementary School Education. In addition, she was a certified General Educational Development (G.E.D.) instructor and taught adult students. She had a fundamental impact on them as well and taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to foreign students. She was proficient in motivating and leading students to achieve and exceed existing classroom goals and initiatives while fostering a conducive learning environment, which earned her recognition for her great work as an educator. Sherlene received an Apple for the Teacher Award 1996/ Perfect Attendance Awards 1996-2007 and many others. She retired as a Vocal Music Specialist in 2015 from St. Louis Public School District. Sherlene acquired her General Educational Development (GED) then went on to earn her Bachelor (BS) Degree in Elementary Education and a Minor Degree in Music from Harris Stowe-State University in May of 1984. Sherlene was a member of the National Dean’s List 1980- 1984 and graduated with honors in spite of strenuous circumstances. Sherlene’s passion for education propelled her to take her education to the next level and attained her Master Degree in Education Administration from University of Missouri St. Louis in May of 2001. Sherlene is preceded in death by her father and mother, Sterling Lynch and Bernice Sanders; sister, Lonzola Bridgette-Lee; brothers, Jeffrey, Leon, Benji, and Glenn Sanders; one granddaughter, Nesmya Victoria Griffin. Sherlene leaves to cherish her memories: three sons ~ James Alfred Griffin, III (ONE), Juan Griffin, and Ronald Everett Griffin; three daughters ~ Brakah (Gwendolyn) Griffin-Solomon (Samuel), UrDonna Griffin-Moore (Stephen), and LaRonda Griffin-Walker (Anthony); four sisters ~ Sophia Walton, Clyde Bady-Brown, Audrey Williams and Sarah Sanders; four brothers ~ Jose and Alonzo Sanders, Darryl Goudeau, and David Sanders; 29 grandchildren; 6+ great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tributes

Sherlene Griffin

August 6, 1951 - August 13, 2022