The loved and adored Frances Mitchell Griffin, affectionately known as Sugar was born October 9, 1960, the middle child of five children of Herbert and Dorothy Mitchell Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents Herbert & Dorothy Mitchell, her mother-in-law Mable Griffin, and her sister-in-law Faye Watford Mitchell. She received her heavenly reward on March 7, 2024.

She graduated from Great Bridge High School in 1978. She was the true definition of tradition and pride. She later attended Tidewater Community College before leaving to work at the City of Chesapeake Commissioner of Revenue office for 11 years. She spent the last 16 years working various roles at Rise Christian Academy, her last and most cherished role was serving as the Assistant Director. Additionally, she was a faithful member of New Willow Grove Baptist Church, where she was baptized. She was a songbird in the choir and worked avidly with the youth. She could often be seen in the stands while her daughter coached and her grandchildren played, cheering them to victory.

Frances met the love of her life, soulmate, and high school sweetheart Herbert Griffin Sr. and they were married on March 31, 1979. They made their home in Chesapeake, where they raised three beautiful children.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 45 years, Herbert Griffin Sr.; her children Lashelle Elliott (Michael), Denita Hamlett (Terryn), Herbert Griffin Jr. (Antoine); her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Christian Elliott, Donovan Elliott, Evan Elliott
Cyriah Griffin, and Brooklin Hamlett; her siblings Sandra Etheridge (Elwood)
Herbert Mitchell Jr., Karen Cuffee (Jay), Katrenia Washington; her sister-in-laws Margaret Happer (Timothy), Jackie Bell (Lester), Vanessa Nichols, Chenese Nichols, and Elerene Hawkins (Everett); her brother-in-laws Larry Griffin (Deanna), Quincy Griffin (Namona) Robert Nichols; her aunt Cathaleen Holley and uncle Willis Mitchell (Ruby); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Public viewing will be held 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Monday, March 11, 2024, at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, 500 Liberty St. Chesapeake, VA 23324. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 11:00 am at New Light Church, 2418 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake, Va 23323.

You can join the service livestream at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at: https://www.facebook.com/PretlowandSons

This link should take you directly to the livestream: https://fb.watch/qMaxvzIj6g/