Rose Marie Griffin, 77, of East St. Louis, Ill., born May 17, 1937, born in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, at St. Louis University Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Rose's formal education was in the public schools of East Saint Louis School District 189--beginning at Garfield and Carver Schools on Goose Hill. She attended Rock Junior High School and graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in 1955. After graduation, Rose attended McKendree University and Southern Illinois University (SIU). Following graduation from SIU, Rose worked as an elementary teacher in East St. Louis School District 189. Her entire 43 year teaching career was at Crispus Attucks and Donald McHenry Elementary Schools. She retired from East St. Louis School District 189 in June of 2004. Rose Marie was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Her affiliations also included The Professional Civic and Social Club, a member of the Goose Hill Reunion, and a member of the NAACP. Rose was a founder and charter member of The Christian Women of the New Wave. Rose met the love of her life, Cecil Griffin, Sr. in 1955. The two were united in holy matrimony on Nov. 26, 1957, in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. To this union two children were born. Their first child was a son, Cecil Griffin Jr. and a daughter, Kimberly Hawkins. On Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, at 11:07 p.m., after living a spirit filled life, Rose ascended into the arms of her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her parents. Rose leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 57 years, Cecil Griffin Sr.; a son, Cecil Griffin Jr.; a daughter, Kimberly Hawkins; three granddaughters, G'Ahynne Hawkins, Kelli Hawkins, and Krystal (Alex) Griffin Rodriguez; a grandson, Garrick Griffin; a brother, Harold (Pat) White; a cousin, Ivra Shaw; three brother-in-laws, Reverend Earl (Denise) Griffin, Pleas (Sandra) Griffin, Michael (Debra) Griffin; a sister-in-law, Gloria DeClue; and her St. Paul Church family. Visitation: Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1500 Bond Avenue, East St. Louis, Ill. Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, at the church. Interment will be Monday, 24, 2014, at National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, Mo.