Joan Eleanor Griffith's Obituary
Joan Anderson-Griffith made her final exit from the stage of life at the age of 90 on Friday, November 29, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. She passed peacefully after a lifetime of love and devotion to family, animals, music and theatre. Born October 4, 1923 in Steubenville, Ohio, Joan was raised in Washington D. C., where she met Ray Anderson, when they co-starred in “Rio Rita”. They married in 1946, traveled to New York & Hollywood to pursue careers in show business, leading to Joan performing with the Broadway touring company of “Sweethearts”. They eventually moved to Dallas to start a family, but never abandoned their love of the arts or for one another. Joan shared her beautiful soprano voice with the Dallas Civic Opera, was the featured vocalist with The Starlight Band Shell Concerts at Fair Park, sang for her church, performed in nearly 40 musicals and tap danced well into her 70’s. Joan’s most treasured role, however, was that of mother to her 4 children. Joan was preceded in death by husband, B.W. Griffith of Dallas; parents, Charles & Rose Feole and sister, Mary. She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by son, Chick Anderson; daughters, Rita Powers-White, Linda Frank and Gena Murray, Ray & Tunkin Anderson, Rex Anderson, 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 12:00 PM at Restland Memorial Chapel.
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