Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 3, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Christine Farnan Griffin, aged 85, of Charlotte, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.  A fifth-generation Charlottean, she was born at Presbyterian Hospital on February 3, 1941.

Christine graduated from Brevard College in 1961 and, after a stint in Richmond, Virginia, returned to Charlotte in 1969 where she earned a BA in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte while working several jobs and raising her oldest daughter.  She worked as a school teacher and in sales until 1976, when she married John Griffin and moved to Lake Wylie to raise their blended family and help launch his computer software business.

An active volunteer, Christine was a devoted alumna of Myers Park High School, ‘59, founding the Myers Park High School Alumni Association and organizing numerous class reunions for many years.  She volunteered at Charlotte Country Day School, where two of her children studied, and was an engaged member of the Discovery Place Guild for several decades.

Known as the hostess with the mostest, Christine delighted in entertaining friends and family at their Lake Wylie home and later at their Carmel Park residence.  Nothing pleased her more than to throw lavish parties where everyone was invited. But she was also famous for her impromptu gatherings such as when she fed numerous friends and neighbors after the first few weeks of Hurricane Hugo when most people were without electricity.  Generous and kind, she never met a stranger.  If you were lucky enough to be her friend, you were a friend for life.

Her passions encompassed travel and adventure—from sailing the Greek islands and fly fishing in Alaska to sampling street food in Hong Kong and Tokyo.  She played bridge like it was her full-time job and enjoyed golf.  She was passionate about antiques, scouring flea markets and estate sales to fill their house on Carmel Park with the most unique collectibles.

Christine is survived by her daughters, Anne Schmitt (Steve) and Christylee Griffin; her stepson, Jeff Griffin (MaryBeth); grandchildren, Mason, Carter, Noel, and Aubrey Jane; brother, Frank Farnan (Darcy) and sisters, Elizabeth Farnan and Charlotte Milligan.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John Griffin and her sister, Carolyn Ryan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 16, 2026, in the Community Room of The Kimberlee, 1300 Reece Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Discovery Place Science Museum, Attn: Development, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.