Laurie was a resident of Coupeville since 1997. She is survived by her two children, Deborah Hoeszle (husband Gary) and Kevin Griggs (wife Kaori), her granddaughter Jamie Renee Chittenden and great granddaughter Kaiden Renee Rose.
Laurie also had two other children, Barry Griggs, who was born Aug. 24 1946, died March 13, 1947, and Penny Griggs, who was born Dec. 5, 1947, died Aug. 12, 1948.
Born to Walter and Charlotte Strowd in a one-room log cabin in Goshen, Ala. in 1928, Laurie was the youngest of seven children. At age 7 she moved to Elmendorf, Texas, where she was raised until age 17.
In June 1946, Laurie married a young Air Force officer, Fredrick M Griggs. They were married 46 years, until his death in 1992. During their time together, Laurie and Fred traveled extensively, with Air Force assignments taking them to places such as Washington, D.C., Bermuda, Colorado, Hawaii, Japan, California and more. Laurie also had a 25-year career with the United States Postal Service while living in Sacramento, Calif. after Fred’s retirement
Laurie was raised in a Christian home with Sunday school and revivals being a way of life. At age 13, she was active in the church choir and soon after attended San Marcos Baptist Academy in preparation for missionary service but when World War II started, she returned home to finish high school.
Later in life, Laurie rededicated her life to Christ through Bible study, worship, praise and association with Christian organizations. Her devotion to Christ enriched her life and blessed her with many cherished friends.
Laurie was diagnosed with colon cancer in mid-May and underwent urgent surgery at Whidbey Health Medical Center in Coupeville but was unable to recover from the extensive trauma to her fragile body. She passed on June 1, 2018 at 8:10 p.m. in the intensive care ward with her children by her side. She will be greatly missed by a great many close friends and family.
A small memorial service will be held at the Coupeville United Methodist Church on Wednesday June 13 at 3 p.m. Laurie asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Billy Graham Association in her remembrance.
