Cleone Griffin-Bey

With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Cleone Griffin-Bey a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister aunt, and friend.  Cleone Griffin-Bey was born on May 11, 1936 in Harlem New York to the late Thomas and Mary Cherry Griffin-Bey. She was the fifth of seven children.  Her sisters Geraldine, Mary, Ada, Gloria, and her brother Thomas Griffin-Bey, Jr., preceded her in death.

Cleone spent her early years in Harlem before her family moved to Brooklyn, New York.  There, she attended P.S 175 Elementary School, J.H.S 84, and later attended Prospect Heights High School.  She was a long-time member of Brooklyn Tabernacle Deliverance Center and a graduate of their bible school.  Cleone dedicated her career to helping others, working as a technician in labor and delivery at Cumberland Hospital and Woodhull Hospital, serving 43 years until her retirement.  Her dedication and hard work left a lasting impression on those around her. 

Cleone had a vibrant and independent spirit, known for her honesty, kindness, and generosity.  She found joy in cooking, shopping, and spending time with her family, and she never missed an episode of MSNBC Morning Joe or The View.  She lived life on her own terms, often saying “I’m 88 years old – I can do and eat whatever I want!”  Her presence was a gift to those who knew her, and while she is deeply missed her love and legacy lives on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Cleone is survived by her sons, Robert and Kenyatta Griffin-Bey; grandsons Narada and Darren; seven great-grandchildren, her sister Juliet Mercer; and a large loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish her memory.

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