Mary Jo Griffith

Mary Jo Griffith, age 79, a longtime resident of Novi, passed away May 13, 2018. She was born on January 2, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of John and Thelma (nee Swonk) Hopkins. She was united in marriage to Richard A. Griffith on October 10, 1959.  They were devoted to each other for 46 years until his death in 2005.  Mary Jo graduated from Immaculata High School in Detroit; Class of 1957.  Overcoming polio as a child helped her grow into an independent and strong-willed woman. She was a loving homemaker and happily took care of a 10-acre farm with every type of animal you could imagine.  She owned black sheep which allowed her to join the International Colored Sheep Society.  Mary Jo loved to spin the wool she sheared from her sheep and use that to make wool sweaters for her family.  She loved to travel, among her favorite places to visit were Australia and Aruba.  Mary Jo enjoyed boating and flower gardening.  Her garden was full of amazing flowers and her favorites included tulips and lilies. Mary Jo is survived by her brother James (Trish) Hopkins; her grandchildren, Breanna Wallace, John Wallace, Jr., Carl Griffith, and Chelsea Wallace; and her great grandchildren, Hailey, Riley, and Isabella. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Lynn A. Wallace, her son Jeff A. Griffith, and her brothers Charles R. Hopkins and J. Thomas Hopkins. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 2pm until 6pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  Memorial contributions would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076.