Goldie

Griffith

Goldie Griffith, 99 plus 4 years of age, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Portsmouth Health and Rehab. She was born in Oldtown, Kentucky, on February 12, 1923, to the late Ward and Carrie Purnell Wireman.

Goldie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She worked as a beautician for over 20 years before concluding her career as a State Health Inspector for the state of Ohio. Goldie was a long-time member of the Eastern Star at the Lucasville Lodge, serving for over 40 years. She enjoyed volunteering at Shawnee State University and SOMC Hospital. A woman of strong faith, Goldie was a member of the First Christian Church in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Goldie was an exemplary figure, serving as a role model for others. At 103 years old, she was an extraordinary woman who maintained her independence. She worked in a modern role that granted her authority to make decisions, give orders, influence behavior, and enforce laws. Despite her position, she treated those under her with respect. Goldie was a true professional.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Paul W. Griffith; one daughter, Brenda Sue Musser; six brothers: Raymond, John, Elmer, Russell, and Morton; and five sisters: Patsy, Molly, Jennie, Lenna, and Mabel.

Goldie's memory is cherished by her two sons: Paul (Carole) Griffith Jr. of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and Jerry (Diana) Griffith of Lexington, Kentucky. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Melissa (Dan) Brown, Jason (Jennifer) Griffith, Eric (Dusty) Musser, Amy (Benji) Marrs, and Taylor (James) Clarke, as well as Lacey (Brackton) Pratt. Additionally, she leaves behind ten great-grandchildren: Emma, Caroline, and Grace Brown; Alex and Isabelle Musser; Andrew and Caroline Conn; Rhodes and Gunnar Clarke; and Cole McDonald. Goldie will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her deeply.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, November 20, 2026, at Roberson Funeral Home in South Shore, Kentucky, with Tom Rayburn officiating. Visitation will take place at 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Brick Union Cemetery in Lloyd, Kentucky.

The family requests that, in place of flowers, donations be made to the SOMC Hospice House at 2201 25th St, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662