Jennifer Griffin

Jennifer Roxanne Neal Griffin entered this world on March 20, 1953, at Camp Kilmer hospital in Edison, New Jersey to Francis Eugene Neal and his wife June Pauline Taylor. Jennifer was the only child born of this union before the untimely passing of her beloved mother June in 1960.

Jennifer was a lifelong resident of the New Brunswick community. It was here in New Brunswick that she attended elementary, junior high and high school with her numerous cousins and worshiped at church. Jennifer was raised in Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at a young age. She was baptized by Reverend  Shelton and began her work in ministry, including the youth usher board, adult usher board, children’s choir, and young adult choir.

Jennifer was married in 1971, and from this union she was blessed with two beautiful children, June Denise and Christopher Samuel, whom she also raised at Ebenezer. She made sure both of her children knew and loved the Lord and encouraged their active spiritual development.

Growing up, Jennifer always enjoyed spending time with her family, as much of her family on both sides resided in the local New Brunswick area. From dinners with her immediate blended family to large family meals during holidays to impromptu “catchups” at one of the cousin’s homes or a local diner, Jennifer always enjoyed the fellowship with her large and extended family. That said, Jennifer had a very independent spirit, and enjoyed spending time alone just as much. In her later years, Jennifer developed a love for travel and would treat herself to an annual cruise, usually to Canada, where she would relax, unwind, and just enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of the water. When she wanted a quick getaway, or change of scenery, Jennifer would book a weekend in Atlantic City to enjoy walks along the boardwalk with an ice cream and listen to the waves.

Along with her love for family, Jennifer had a passion for all-things fashion and shopping. On any given Saturday, you could find Jennifer at the mall, heading toward an outlet, on a train to New York City, or just perusing the latest Vogue, Elle or Spiegel magazine. Jennifer loved shopping so much, that in 2010, she stepped out on faith and began a personal shopping and retail vending business.

Jennifer departed this life on September 30, 2022, and was predeceased by her mother June Taylor Neal; father Francis Neal; stepbrother Eugene Neal; and aunt Joan Taylor McNeil. She leaves to cherish her memory daughter June Griffin of Atlanta, GA; son Christopher Griffin of Stockbridge, GA; stepmother Diane Neal of New Brunswick, NJ; stepsister Aleacheia Stephens of Somerset, NJ; half-brother Richard Neal of Somerset, NJ; granddaughter Italia Rice of Atlanta, GA; cousins Lori McNeil Hayes (Donnie) of Rocky Mount, NC; Carla McNeil Williams of Concord, NC; Vernon Stewart (Juanita) of Monroe, NJ; Donald Neal of Somerset, NJ; Russell Van Liew, Jr. (Grace) of Akron, OH; Lance Neal of North Brunswick, NJ; Forrest Van Liew, Sr. of Cary, NC; Richard Van Liew (Theresa) of Somerset, NJ; Baron Van Liew, Sr. (Elaine) of Cary, NC; god-daughter Lola Stewart-Samuel of Piscataway, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.