Margie Hattaway Griffin

Margie Hattaway Griffin was born on April 24, 1943, in Pearson, Atkinson County, Georgia. One of eight children, she went to be with the Lord on September 22, 2026 -her late husband Emmett’s birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett F. Griffin; her parents, Ellis Harvell Hattaway and Lizzie Rebecca Hart Hattaway; and her siblings, Edward Hattaway, Orbie Hattaway Hardin, Oweeda Hattaway Moore, Eleanor “Doodle” Hattaway Joiner, Jimmy Hattaway, and Nadine Hattaway Foster. She is survived by her brother, Donnie Hattaway (Dorothy) of Brunswick, Georgia, and her brother-in-law, William Griffin and his wife, Barbara, of Macon, Georgia and sister-in-law, Annette Griffin of Bartow, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Margie graduated from Appling County High School in Baxley, Georgia. In her youth, she worked alongside her family picking tobacco and cotton. Her mother died when Margie was very young. After high school, Margie moved to Bartow, Florida, to live with her aunt, Ruby Nell Couey, and later with Leslie Smith. She worked for a time at the 5 and 10 Cent Store in Bartow before attending Bryan Christian College in Dayton, Tennessee, on a scholarship. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

Margie attended First Baptist Church in Bartow, Florida, where several members of her family also worshiped. Although she had accepted Christ earlier in life, she had never been baptized. Shortly before marrying Emmett Griffin on March 29, 1980, she was baptized at the church. Margie and Emmett met at First Baptist Church, and he became the love of her life.

One day, Emmett had a part in the Training Union program at church. He began well, but after spotting Margie in the group, he became so enamored with her that he could hardly finish. In later years, they could often be found sitting together at the back of the sanctuary during worship services in what most people call “2nd Baptist Church.”

In 1983, Margie and Emmett bought a small beach house at Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, affectionately calling it their “honeymoon cottage.” They treasured watching sunsets and sharing fellowship with their neighbors there. A recent hurricane severely damaged the house, leaving it unusable.

Margie taught fifth grade at Bartow Elementary School before moving to Eagle Lake Elementary School, where she taught third grade. During her 36-year career, she was named Teacher of the Year at Bartow Elementary School. A firm teacher, Margie believed students learned and behaved best when kept busy with meaningful work. Students who misbehaved were moved to a seat at the front of the room, and she was known for assigning plenty of homework. She delighted her classes by reading aloud from the Hank the Cow Dog books by John R. Erickson, using a different voice for every character.

Although the beach was Margie’s favorite destination, she and Emmett also traveled widely by RV throughout the United States and Canada. She especially loved Newfoundland and Alaska. Their longest journey lasted 58 days and took them through five Canadian provinces. Margie loved to read, especially books by Clive Cussler. She also enjoyed Sudoku puzzles, table games, and even Go Fish. Margie and Emmett especially enjoyed playing Spades with Charles and Edwina Prevatte.

Margie developed Alzheimer’s disease and later suffered a fall that broke her hip. After surgery, her dementia prevented her from participating effectively in rehabilitation to walk again. Throughout these years, Emmett cared for her faithfully. He visited her at the Bartow Center and fed her lunch almost every day. Although she no longer recognized him or remembered his name, she appeared happy whenever he arrived.

Family will receive friends Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow, FL. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Pantry at First Baptist Church in Bartow, Florida. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com.