Grace Clifton's Obituary
Grace Griffin “Nannie” Clifton, 94, of Memphis passed away on May 7, 2010. Grace, the youngest of 8 children, was the daughter of William and Lottie Jane Griffin of Big Creek, MS, where she was born on May 4, 1916. Her parents died when she was just a teenager. After her parents death she lived with her foster parents, John and Myrtle Hannaford, and managed to save enough money to start nursing school at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. She continued to work while in nursing school to pay her own tuition. Upon graduating in 1943, she went to work for Baptist Hospital as a registered nurse. Grace had a passion for nursing and helping people. She was especially rewarded as the night supervisor on the pediatric floor where she provided loving care to many children in need. Her career at Baptist spanned almost 40 years until her retirement in 1984. Grace was a faithful member of Bellevue Baptist Church for over 60 years. Her husband was a deacon for many years before his death. She helped pioneer the in-church nursing clinic. She would work the night shift at the hospital and then go serve in the clinic at the church. She was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, neighbor, and devout Christian. She loved children and helped many families with their childcare needs such as her own children, friends of her children, neighbors, her dentist, etc. She was a very loving, caring and strong woman who has set a great example for those she left behind. She married Buford C. Clifton in 1943 who preceded her in death as did her 7 brothers and sisters. Grace leaves a son, Peter Clifton and his wife Sandra, of Germantown, TN; a daughter, Mary Jane Clifton, of Tampa, FL; as well as seven grandchildren and one great grandson. Visitation will be Wednesday 1 to 2 at Memorial Park followed by a grave side service.
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