Virginia K. Griffin

GRIFFIN, Virginia (nee Kiessling).

After 32 years as an elected member of the Cincinnati board of Education, Virginia K. Griffin decided to retire. At that time her friend, Rob Portman, then the representative from the Second Congressional District, introduced a resolution in Congress to honor her. "Her expertise in legislative and financial matters over the years made Mrs. Griffin an invaluable member of the School Board. Her departure will create a void that will be very difficult to fill."

Virginia K. Griffin died July 14, 2013. She touched a myriad of organizations, communities and people during her 90 years. A Cincinnati Post editorial commented that "she brought stability and institutional knowledge" to the Board as well as "energy and intellectual curiosity." The Enquier honored her by making her the Woman of the Year in the first decade of that award.

During her most active period, Mrs. Griffin served on the Board of Trustees of the Franciscan Health Systems of the Ohio Valley for eight years. She was vice chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party for six years. Also, she was the founder of several groups including The Guild of St. Francis Hospital, Jobs of Cincinnati Graduates, the Black Student Development Committee of Mt. St. Joseph College. One of her cherished accomplishments was the gathering of the priceless fine art collection in the Cincinnati schools into a safe center where she personally raised the funds to restore and conserve it. It can now be seen at the Cincinnati Museum Center. For many years she was the owner and director of the Griffin Gallery of Fine Arts in Western Hills, catering to Cincinnati artists of the past and present.

Among other positions, she served as president of the Cincinnati Technical College, as a member of The Future Task Force of that college, on the board of Trustees of the Mayerson Academy, on the Child Care Long Range Planning Committee of the Community Chest.

A graduate of the Cincinnati Public Schools and the University of Cincinnati, she received her Master's degree at the latter and finished her work for her Doctorate degree there also.

Mrs. Griffin's husband, Dr. George D. J. Griffin, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children: Dr. George D. J. Griffin III, Deborah (Dr. Patrick) Gallacher, Dr. Brian F. Griffin (Joy), and Nancy (Dr. Jeffery) Rhodenbaugh. She also leaves seven grandchildren: Jennifer Griffin Malcolm, Jordan Gallacher, Matt Griffin, Tyler Griffin, Rachel Griffin, Alexis Rhodenbaugh, and Bianca Rhodenbaugh.

Oliver Birckhead, former chairman of the Central Trust Company (now PNC Bank) said of her, ". . . her assiduous approach to the multifaceted problems . . . as a continuing member of the Board of Education are well documented. Her willingness to speak her mind, often in the face of public criticism, is admired, particularly since the work is entirely voluntary. She has been a devoted civil servant."

Visitation B.J. Meyer Sons Memorial Center, 4841 Glenway Avenue, (next to St. Teresa) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, from 9:00AM to 9:45AM. Followed by Mass of Christian Burial 10:00AM at St. Teresa of Avila Church. Memorials may be made to Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1241 Elm Street. Cincinnati OH 45202, Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202 or Cincinnati Opera, 1243 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home serving the family.