Life Reflections

Elder Charlie Griggs was born to the late Eddie and Etta Griggs on October 3, 1936 in Inverness, Mississippi. He was one of eight children.  His sisters Ethel and Ruby, brothers Eddie Jr. and Louis preceded him in death.

Charlie attended the Shaw, Mississippi Public School System. Charlie relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1955 to enjoy a more abundant life.  In the spring of 1961, he was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost at the Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God, under the leadership of the late Elder Odee Akins.

During the summer of 1961, Charlie married the woman of his dreams, Leola Lathan. This union was blessed with five children. Charlie and Leola enjoyed 47 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1965, Charlie heeded the call of the Lord to become a minister for Him.  Shortly thereafter, he was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.

In 1968, He was asked by the late Pastor Emeritus Hermon L. Walker Sr. to become his Assistant Pastor of One Way Apostolic Church of God.  He served tirelessly under this ministry. After 17 years of dedicated service as the Assistant Pastor, he felt the leading of the Lord to return to his “home” church the Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God under the leadership of Bishop Charles E. Davis.

Having a passion for studying and teaching the word of God, Elder Griggs taught the Men’s Sunday School Class. When preaching and teaching, Charlie was dynamic and enthusiastic.  One of the greatest sermons he ever preached was: “I Am Too Blessed To Be Depressed.”  The saints of God are still talking about this message today.  Elder Griggs was a praying man. He knew the power of prayer.  He also loved to talk about the goodness of the Lord. He led many souls to Christ.

During his lifetime, he worked as a chef and as a steel fabricator. Charlie had a commendable work ethic.  He received many perfect attendance awards. Charlie was a dedicated, caring, and hard working husband and father.  He was a perfect role model for his children.

Charlie made his transition from this life on Thursday, June 26, 2008.  He leaves to cherish his memories, His loving wife of 47 years, Leola Griggs: Two Sisters, Altee Bynum and Arlene Griggs: One Brother, James Griggs: Four Sons, Ira (Esther), Charles (Penny), Stanley (Carolyn), Kenny (Samuella): One Daughter Belinda: One Godson Charles Hunt: his mother-in-law, Juanita Robinson: Five sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law: 14 grand children, 10 great-grand children: nieces, nephews, cousins, his Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God family and many, many friends.