Michelle Leigh Griffith

Michelle was born in Auburn, Indiana on February 17th, 1971 to Mark and Debra Rhodes. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye, her mother’s best friend, and the biggest blessing to their family. 

They moved to Waxahachie, Texas, when Michelle was eight years old, where she loved to horseback ride and have her friends come out to the countryside. At Waxahachie High School, she was a proud Cherokee Charmer and 1st Lieutenant of the Varsity Drill Team. 

Michelle graduated from Sam Houston State with a degree in physiology and dedicated herself to social work. During her time as a CPS investigator, Michelle’s unwavering compassion touched the lives of countless people. 

Through her advocacy, she met the love of her life, Mark Griffith. United by their shared compassion and care for others, the two married on October 25th, 2003 on Sanibel Island, surrounded by friends and family. 

On January 21st, 2005, Michelle brought twin boys, Jake Allen and Luke Joseph, into the world. On December 12th, 2007, she introduced a baby girl, Tatum Ann, into the family. Michelle considered these kids her greatest blessing. As a mother, Michelle was a superhero. She made each of her kids feel uniquely special and loved every single day. She threw the absolute best birthday parties, had the best advice, and always knew when to let her children soar. Whether it’d be over a long crab feast, a car ride back from school, or a late-night conversation, Michelle was always there to listen and guide her kids with her loving wisdom. She was always their biggest cheerleader, and her unwavering support will echo through their lives forever. 

Michelle became our angel on October 6th, 2024, reuniting her with her beloved father, Mark Rhodes, on his heavenly birthday. She is also joined by her mother-in-law, Ann Rebecca Griffith, and grandparents Jim and Jan Tuttle. She is celebrated by her loving mother, Debra Rhodes, her loving husband, Mark Griffith, and her three beautiful children, Luke, Jake, and Tatum. 

Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Michelle knew that she was the brightest light in every situation. Her kindness was contagious, unconditional and unrestrained. She made it her life’s mission to make everybody she met feel accepted, loved, and appreciated. Through her beautiful craftiness, unapologetic humor, and unbounded compassion, Michelle made every stranger feel like a friend. She was a shining light, never failing to bring all of her magnificent talents and characteristics into an outpouring of unconditional love. 

Beautiful inside and out, Michelle always prioritized the peace and tranquility of those around her, and now she has found some for herself. Her love will continue to rest on countless hearts, forever. 

A Celebration of Michelle’s Love will be held at The Avenue Church in Waxahachie, Texas on Tuesday, October 15th at 6:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations be made to autismspeaks.org. This was an organization close to her heart. 

Instead of black attire, please come dressed in your favorite colors.