She was a teacher in Atlanta and DeKalb County for 26 years, and was Druid Hills High School's Teacher of the Year in 1991. She was adviser to the newspapers in Cross Keys High School and in Druid Hills High, where she also sponsored National Honor Society. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, international honor society for educators; of Grace United Methodist Church; and of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She earned a master's degree from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University after earning a bachelor's degree from Florida State University, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She volunteered for 17 years as a Meals on Wheels deliverer. She published a book, PRINTER LADY, in 2000, about the first female Georgia newspaper editor, Sarah Hillhouse, 1765-1831. As a result of this biography, Hillhouse was chosen a Georgia Woman of Achievement. Proceeds of book sales went to a scholarship fund.
Frances was married to Professor George R. Greiff from 1950 until his death in 2003. Frances was raised in Gainesville, Florida, and lived in Atlanta for 61 years. She is survived by her son, Dr. Richard Greiff and his wife Jane, by her daughter, Dr. Mary Mehaffey and her husband Philip, and by her daughter Leila Lawlor, J.D., and her husband Joseph. Nine grandchildren are: Anne Greiff, Gina Greiff Agnew, Joan, Monica and Felicia Greiff; Malcolm and Tyrie Mehaffey; Joseph and Richard Lawlor; and by one great-grandchild, Michael Agnew.
Frances is remembered for a keen intellect, exceptional skills at painting and writing, love of literature, and her selfless dedication to those in need. To the many who loved her, she is remembered for her incredible warmth, interest in others, and her love of life.
Memorial donations may be made to the George R. and Frances T. Greiff Scholarship Fund at Georgia State University Foundation, P.O. Box 3963, Atlanta, GA 30302; to the Frances Traxler Greiff Award of Delta Kappa Gamma, c/o Treasurer Janet Sullivan, 1949 Westminster Way, Atlanta, GA 30307; or to Grace United Methodist Church, 458 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308.
Funeral services will be held at Grace United Methodist at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23 with Rev. Kate Hurst Floyd officiating. Graveside service will be held at Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday at A. S. Turner and Sons and at 12:30 p.m. at Grace United Methodist, prior to the service.
Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033
Monday, December 22, 2014
6:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)
A.S. Turner & Sons
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Grace United Methodist Church
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Floral Hills Memory Gardens
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