Juanita Millican Griffin

Juanita Millican Griffin, 80, of Kingston, Tenn., passed away peacefully in her home on Dec. 17, 2024.  She was born on Dec. 28, 1943, in Gadsden.

Juanita is survived by her beloved husband Johnny Griffin, grandchildren Christopher Griffin (Meredith) and Kristen Winters, her great-grandson Rylan Garrett, and many dear nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, J.D. and Lillian Murphree Millican, brothers Wayne and Ross Millican, sister Annette Hudson, her daughter Stacey Griffin, and her son, Jon Griffin.

Juanita cherished spending time with her children, her grandchildren, great-grandson, and her family and friends.  Anyone who knew Juanita would say she was the most genuine, kind-hearted person they ever met.  She was a friend to all who knew her and was always willing to help a stranger.  She was beautiful both inside and out.  

Juanita was an avid tennis player for 50 years.  She was a member of the Cedar Bluff Tennessee Volleys Tennis Team, winning the State and National USTA Senior Women’s Championships.   Juanita placed first in the state with her doubles partner Joyce Ingram. 

Juanita was a faithful member of Harriman Methodist Church since 1972, singing in the choir beside her fellow altos and serving on numerous committees.  

She spent several years working for Roane State Community College under the guidance of Dr. Cuyler Dunbar, President, as his valued administrative assistant.  In this role she interacted with hundreds of students, faculty, and staff and contributed to the success of the college.  Later, Juanita became the CFO of Griffin Insurance. 

She had a knack for gardening, and every spring you could find her planting flowers which would inevitably bloom beautifully. Look closer, and you’d likely see her constant companion, Stace the dog, by her side.  

In the words of her husband Johnny, Juanita was the “perfect woman.”  She was his best friend and his soulmate for the past 62 years. 

Juanita’s warm presence, dry humor, and kind spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  It isn’t what we leave behind, but what we leave in others’ hearts that counts.  As difficult as it is to say goodbye, we know she is no longer struggling in pain, but rather is rejoicing in Heaven with her children.  May she rest in peace.

The family will receive friends on Jan. 4, 2025, at the Harriman Methodist Church from 1 to 3 p.m. with the service to follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harriman Methodist Church, P.O. Box 407, Harriman, TN 37748. 

Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is serving the Griffin Family.