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Obituaries

George Searle Giffin

September 24, 1944 - March 20, 2023

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Obituary For George Searle Giffin

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Les Brown

George Searle Giffin, beloved and respected by many the world over for his kindness, generosity, and resolute loyalty to peace and justice, landed among the stars on March 20, 2023. In 1965 George distinguished himself as a participant in the Martin Luther King Jr march to Montgomery, AL, following a visit to Selma with fellow students and recruiting others from Berea College, Berea, KY, to the Montgomery march. From that time forward, George devoted his life to peace and the Civil Rights Movement, attending functions in Memphis, TN, and pilgrimages to Selma and Montgomery in 2005 and 2015. He shared his civil rights stories at a convocation at Berea College in 2020. George was an active member of the Detroit MLK Day Committee for twelve years, for which he was given the Spirit of Detroit award for his service to the committee and for his participation in the Selma march. He served as member of Citizens for Peace, 2014 to 2023, and was guest speaker for the January 2021 meeting, relating his civil rights experiences. Born on September 24, 1944, George was the only son of Robert Twing Giffin (1912-1957) and Mary Ellen Brown Giffin (1910-1992), brother to Mary Brown Giffin Beattie (1938-2018) and Susan Goodrich Giffin (1942-), father to Karen Michele Giffin Jackson, father-in-law to Bobby Jackson, grandfather to Samantha Breecher, Bobby Jackson, Jr., Christina Hagan, Lisa Jackson, Isaac Jackson, and great grandfather to JC Hagan. George graduated from Farmington Senior High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science from Berea College, Berea, KY. He studied Literacy Journalism at Syracuse University, Syracuse NY, at the same time he performed his Vietnam alternate service from 1966-1970 at Laubach Literacy, Inc., as its national director and personal assistant to world literacy pioneer, Dr. Frank C. Laubach. From there, George became management program and assistant remodeling manager for the K-Mart Corporation, Troy, MI, 1970-1980; program manager for Junior Achievement in Detroit, 1981-82; executive director for Junior Achievement, Flint, MI, 1983-89; vice president of marketing for Colorama, a family-owned thermo-chromatic apparel business, 1990-94; and a research/marketing assistant for Engineering Labs: Agramo Agricultural Project, 1994-2001.

“When I am gone, don’t learn to live without me, just learn to live with my love in a different way. And if you need to see me, close your eyes or look in your shadow when the sun shines. I’m there. Sit with me in the quiet, and you will know that I did not leave. When I go, don’t learn to live without me, just learn to look for me in the moments. I will be there.” – Donna Ashworth

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Condolences

March 20, 2025

Karen Jackson

I can't believe you have been gone for two years. Still as hard today as it was back then. I know you have finally found your peace. Love and miss you so much!! Until we meet again!!
April 04, 2023

Judy Franks

One of the things I most admire about George was that he had the courage and integrity to stand up to evil but never succumbed to cynicism and despair. Like his hero, MLK, he remained hopeful that in the end brotherly love and justice would prevail. He worked tirelessly and consistently toward that goal his entire life, yet never considered himself than just a small cog in the wheel. He was willing to do his part to shine his "own little light." He remained a good, kind, loving person who put his hand to the plow and never looked back.
March 27, 2023

Howard L Johnson

Heaven's gate just opened a bit wider to welcome in yet another earthly saint. "It is impossible to love God if you do not love your neighbor."--Jesus George had an abiding and convicted love for his neighbors, especially for ones who could be of no possible service to him. It has now been sixty years since George and I became classmates and life-long friends at Berea College. I sorely miss him already! My fervent prayer is that the spirit of his soul will be an eternal source of peace, joy and love for all of us who knew and, therefore, loved him. Howard Johnson
March 27, 2023

Dwayne Mack

The Mack Family offers its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Dear Brother George. Another civil rights foot soldier has joined Parks and King in heaven. God bless!
March 24, 2023

Linda Medley

I simply cannot choose one memory: the many, many evening's we spent laughing, discussing everything, nothing was off limits: from fur babies, religion, politics, civil rights, music. I treasure all of them,, as I treasure him. Rest in peace, my friend. I miss you.