Mrs. Zeffrie Jaye Griffey

Mrs. Zeffrie Jaye Griffey, age 82, of Rainbow City, Alabama, peacefully entered her eternal rest on May 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and the countless memories of a life richly lived. Though her family grieves this tremendous loss, they also celebrate the remarkable woman whose personality, strength, and unmistakable spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Born on January 22, 1944, to Joe W. and Hazel Gramling, Zeffrie lived a life centered on family, hard work, laughter, and the simple joys that made every day meaningful. To many, she was known simply as “Jaye,” the friendly and familiar face at Food World, where she faithfully worked for 37 years before retiring in 2003. During those years, she built countless friendships and became part of the daily lives of generations of customers who admired her warmth, humor, and unmistakable personality. Retirement, however, did not slow her down in the slightest. Zeffrie turned her lifelong love of antiques and treasure hunting into a second career, buying and selling antiques and quietly helping operate Somewhere in Time Antiques & Collectibles in Attalla. She later became well known throughout the area for conducting estate sales through Estate Sales Southern Style and eventually through her own business Yesterday’s Memories Estate Sales. Few people could spot hidden treasures quite like Zeffrie, and she firmly believed no yard sale sign should ever be ignored. Affectionately called “Zeff” by close family members, she loved to cook for her loved ones and travel with her husband Harold and son Derrick whenever possible. She had the incredible ability to turn every trip into an adventure that somehow included yard sales, garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, or estate sales from one end of the highway to the other. Family members often joked that there was no such thing as “just driving through town” with Zeff because every roadside sign deserved investigation. And if a penny or nickel slot machine happened to appear along the way, she may or may not have enjoyed trying her luck there too. Above all else, Zeffrie loved her family fiercely and completely. She was a devoted mother, aunt, and friend whose home, heart, and kitchen were always open to those she cared about. Her smile and laughter could brighten any room, and her seemingly unlimited resilience carried her through joy and hardship with grace and determination. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe W. and Hazel Gramling; her beloved son, Joseph Ray Johnson; her husband, James “Harold” Griffey; her brother, Walter L. Gramling, Sr.; her nephew, Walter L. Gramling, Jr.; and her niece, Deborah Gaskey. Left to cherish her memory are her son, James “Derrick” (Dusty Folds) Griffey; her nieces, Margie (Charlie) Darwin and Toni Fuhrman McCord; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Jordan (Dink) Fugatt and family and Dane (Memory) Gaskey and family; along with many extended family members, friends, former coworkers, customers, and all those who loved her dearly. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses of the Critical Care Unit at Riverview Regional Medical Center and the staff of Fresenius Kidney Care for the compassion, care, and kindness shown to Zeffrie during her illness. Funeral services will be held at Village Chapel Funeral Home with Brother Adam Swann officiating. Visitation will be Friday, May 22, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Crestwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dylan Gaskey, Jacob Gaskey, Dink Fugatt, London Taylor, Mark Taylor, and Phillip Burgess. Though her family’s hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing that Heaven has gained a remarkable woman who never met a stranger, never passed up a bargain, and never stopped loving the people around her. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Mrs. Zeffrie Jaye Griffey

January 22, 1944 - May 19, 2026