Sherlene Griffin's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Sherlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sherlene?
Share a story where Sherlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sherlene you’ll never forget.
How did Sherlene make you smile?
