Claudette Bonds Griffin

Claudette Bonds Griffin, age 88, of Hiawassee and Baldwin/Cornelia, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 1, 2026, following an extended illness. 

A woman of deep faith, gentle strength, and unwavering love, Claudette leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and music that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.

Born on March 26, 1937, in Banks County, Georgia, she was the oldest daughter of the late Avery Cleveland Bonds and Carrenia Pritchett Bonds. From an early age, Claudette embodied a servant’s heart—one that would guide her life’s work and ministry.

Claudette was the former co-owner of McGahee-Griffin Funeral Home, where for many years she faithfully assisted her beloved husband, Weyman, in the day-to-day operations. In that role, she became a source of comfort and calm for countless families during their most difficult moments. Through her beautiful voice and gifted hands at the piano, she ministered through music, offering solace and hope at innumerable services.

A dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years, Claudette lived a life rooted in faith, fellowship, and service. After retirement, she and Weyman made their home in Hiawassee, Georgia, where she found her “small country church” at Union Hill United Methodist Church. There, she continued her lifelong devotion to church music, serving as choir director and pianist, joyfully praising God through song.

Above all else, Claudette cherished her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who delighted in every moment spent with her loved ones. Affectionately known as “Mama Dette,” she was the heart of her family—steadfast, nurturing, and endlessly loving. Though she has laid down her earthly burdens, the song of Claudette Bonds Griffin’s life continues—heard in every memory, every hymn, and every heart she touched.

In addition to her parents, Claudette was preceded in death by her loving husband, Weyman O. Griffin; her brother, Ricky Matthew Bonds; and her great-grandson, Zack Cothran.

She is survived by her children, Weyman Matthew (Tammy) Griffin and Weyna Dee (Michael) Sands; grandchildren, Jason (Tashua) Sands, Nicholas Sands, Michael Sands, Marie (Robert) Lupinek, Michael (Kim) Babbitt, Joseph (Justina) Griffin, Brittany Griffin, and Andrew Griffin; great-grandchildren, Chase Sands, Grant Babbitt, Autumn Babbitt, Carter Sands, Kyndal Sands, Billie Griffin, Beau Weyman Griffin, Madison Griffin, Fern Lupinek, and Max Lupinek; sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara Ann Gordon, Juana Faye Cunningham Green (Randall), and Joan Parks (L.C.); along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2025, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Billy Burrell officiating. Interment will follow in the VFW Memorial Park Cemetery in Demorest.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and again from 9:00 a.m. until the service hour on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital by visiting give.choa.org.

An online guest registry is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668), is in charge of arrangements.