Sandra Hancock Griffin
Sandra (Sandy) Hancock Griffin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away on October 17, 2024, in Tallahassee, Florida. Born Sandra Jane Hancock on February 23, 1937, in Tampa, she was the daughter of the late Virginia Bashford Hancock and Franklin Stroud Hancock.
A longtime resident of both Tallahassee and Pagosa Springs, CO. Sandra met her husband, the late Albert Sidney Griffin, Jr., at Florida State University. Al and Sandy shared sixty-one extraordinary years exploring diverse cultures and the beauty of nature around the world. They embarked on their overseas adventure in 1966, living in Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, before returning to Tallahassee in 1987. Their enriched lives were filled with international travel, hiking, fishing, sailing, and gardening. Together, they raised three children: Deborah Griffin (Frank Castaneda) of Mt. Horeb, WI, Nancy Griffin, Atlanta, GA, and John Griffin (Shawna) of Wake Forest, NC. Six grandchildren including Cassandra Griffin Burke (Peter), Karissa Red Bear, Jake Blandford, Adam Blandford, Griffin Blandford, and Christopher Griffin. Two great-grandchildren: Aveline and Skylar Burke. Brother-in-law, John C. Griffin (Pat) of Tallahassee; and nieces Bonnie Sinclair (Grant) and Molly Griffin.
Sandra graduated from Plant High School in Tampa in 1954, and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University in 1958. She was an alum of FSU's Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She began her teaching career as a third-grade teacher in Lakewood, Colorado and went on to teach various grades in the Aramco School System in Saudi Arabia. Upon the family's return, she volunteered at Maclay School in Tallahassee.
Sandra is remembered for her peaceful disposition, dedication, and contributions to many causes. As a Master Gardener, she played a significant role in the historic garden restoration at Goodwood Museum & Gardens, joining a dedicated group of volunteers led by Weej Broderson in the 1990s. In 1997, she served as the horticultural and Master Gardener program chair and was awarded a Certificate of Merit for her exceptional work in planting and caring for the Goodwood Memorial Garden. She was also a member of the Morning Glory Circle of the Tallahassee Garden Club and the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. As a member of the DAR's Caroline Brevard Chapter, Sandra took immense pride in researching her Revolutionary ancestors and their contributions to American independence.
Sandra is fondly remembered for her love of family and friends, her affection for her German shepherds and cats, and her passions for playing the piano, reading, gardening, and genealogy.
A celebration of Sandra's life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM. at Roselawn Cemetery in Tallahassee. The family will receive friends afterwards. Those desiring may make a donation in her honor to Goodwood Museum & Gardens at www.goodwoodmuseum.org or the Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org.
Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Griffin family with their arrangements.