Susan Griffin Woods

Susan Griffin Woods of Mansfield, Texas, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the age of 69. Susan Michelle Griffin was born on November 20, 1954, to parents John Howard Griffin and Elizabeth Ann Griffin.

Susan grew up in the small, farm town of Mansfield, Texas. She was the apple of her father’s eye, and the eldest of four siblings. Her father, John Howard Griffin, was noted journalist and author of many books including “Black Like Me”. His research and influence garnered worldwide attention and he was often asked to speak and advocate for humanity in public forums. Susan was by his side for many of his trips. One such adventure, even took them as far as Europe when she was only 16 years old. His dedication to his beliefs and zest for life deeply influenced Susan, teaching her how to be open-minded about life and the people she surrounded herself with. Susan never met a stranger, and she could always be counted on when she committed to any task. When she invested in something or someone, there was a no fiercer advocate than her.

Susan was a graduate of Paschal High School, and then went on to attend Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado. After college, she began her career at Texas Christian University. While there, her character, intelligence, and dedication facilitated her career advancement. She held positions as Director of Institutional Research and University Immigration Officer for Academic Affairs. She respectfully retired from TCU after 41 years of dedicated service in 2020.

During her early life, she met and married Steve Campbell. Shortly thereafter, they celebrated the birth of their first, (and only) child, Lauren. Susan and Steve later divorced.

Susan was an extremely strong and independent woman. As her father and hero did for her, she did the same for her own daughter, by instilling her morals and values. Her ability to balance a successful career, and overcome the challenges of being a single mother, taught Lauren to depend on ones’ self, and not anyone else to be successful in life. When asked, she would often tell people that Lauren was her biggest accomplishment.

Susan’s beauty and natural magnetism lead to her meeting her current husband Daniel Woods, in 2005. They were married in a beautiful Rocky Mountain ceremony at Mount Princeton Colorado in 2015. The deep love “Suzy & Dan” shared for each other and their family brightened both of their lives beyond measure.

Susan loved family gatherings, be it an intimate night-out or hosting larger family and friend holiday gatherings. She found great joy in special events and occasions and simply loved bringing people together.

Susan lived a very full life and embraced all life’s adventures. She loved the Rocky Mountains, Disco dancing, treasure hunting with Lauren (antique shopping), or building blanket forts with her grandchildren. It is hard to summarize all her passions as she had a love for so many things: cooking, music, dancing, game shows, westerns, and coffee. But everyone who knew her knew, her greatest love was for family; especially her grandchildren. She deeply loved her “boys and girls”! Due to proximity, she spent the most amount of time with Lauren and Eric’s 3 sons. Known to them as “Mimi”, she had a very deep, loving and unique relationship with each. They were “her boys” and each one can always hold the legitimate claim of “her
favorite”.

Music was very special to Susan. Her musical taste was very eclectic to say the least. One never knew what you’d get when her radio came on. It varied between classical, jazz, rap, rock-and-roll, to new age. She attended many concerts in her lifetime, so at any given time she’d announce, “I saw them in concert…” then follow up with “don’t be jelly!” and flash you that smile.

Susan was a stunning beauty in all phases of life and her personality perfectly matched her appearance. She was the light to many that knew her. She will be very missed by all that know and love her.

She is preceded in death by her father: John Howard Griffin, mother: Elizabeth Ann Griffin- Bonazzi, brother: Gregory Parker Griffin, paternal Grandfather: John Walter Griffin, paternal Grandmother: Lena Mae Griffin, maternal Grandfather: Clyde Parker Holland, and maternal Grandmother: Elizabeth Moselle Holland

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, husband: Daniel Elton Woods, daughter: Lauren Amanda Vaughn and her husband Eric Ray Vaughn, grandchildren: Liam Griffin, Rogan Richard, and Ellis Gregory Vaughn; daughter-in-law: Kristina Marie Forney and husband Ray Allen Forney: son-in-law Donald Alan William Woods and wife Courtney Jensen Woods: grandchildren Kyana Noel Forney, Kendyl Lillian Woods, Katie Alene Woods, Paxton Garth Woods, and Logan Donald Woods, brother: John Howard Griffin Jr. and wife Connie Griffin, niece: Haley Duffin, sister: Amanda Claire Fenton and husband Bill Fenton, nephew: Michael Sanderson, niece: Stephanie Sanderson, nephew: Parker Griffin, and numerous extended family and friends.