On October 11, 2022, Rockford resident Darla Kay Griffin, 65, passed away at her residence. She was the daughter of Leslie and Marilyn (Utt) Willis and was born on August 7, 1957, in Freeport, Illinois. She attended East High School and graduated. Darla enjoyed spending time in her garden outside, enjoying up the sunshine, and working in the dirt.
She looked after her flowers and plants and loved everything about nature, especially the stunning butterflies. She was creative and frequently changed the interior design of her house. She admired everything with glitter and the hues pink and yellow. She was a devoted Bears supporter, a voracious reader, and a member of the Happy Hookers in her apartment complex. Darla was the matriarch of her family and a very clever woman. She was always in charge of bringing the paper products to a party along with the Jell-O shots, and her family has many happy memories of her dancing in the kitchen. However, don’t drink her Coke! She will be remembered as being a wonderfully hospitable individual who made others feel at ease and never made anyone feel excluded. Spending time with her “Grands” was the nicest part of her life because they made it grand.
She is survived by her children Marissa Griffin, Kelly (Andrew) Campbell, and Carrie (Antwon) Jones; her ex-husband and friend Thomas Griffin; her grandchildren Joseph Morgan, Gabriella Rinehart, Grace Griffin, Jackson Griffin, Desmond Campbell, Devol Yokley-Griffin, Camden Yokley-Griffin, Avery Jones, and Journie Jones; her siblings Denise Shaw, Dawn Willis, and Dan (Christy) Willis; a few nieces Her parents, her adored son Eric Griffin, and her niece Lindsey Willis all passed away before her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, and the details will be released later. Stateline Cremations, 712 Windsor Rd., Loves Park, is aiding the family.
