05/15/2026
Cook County Schools lost another precious member of our family again this week. Deena dedicated her entire career to the students and families of our community. She was a wonderful teacher, and she touched so many lives with all the extra things she did outside of her classroom. Deena’s legacy will live forever in our hearts! Continued prayers for her family, students, and friends. 🖤💛
Mrs. Deena M. Griffin, 60 of Sparks, Georgia passed away at her residence on May 13, 2026. Mrs. Griffin was born March 23, 1966 in Adel, Georgia to the late Larry W. Arnold and to Doris Franks Arnold of Lenox, Georgia. She lived most of her life in Cook County and was a member of the Lenox Baptist Church for over 50 years. She served as the music director for over 11 years. She was employed by the Cook County Board of Education for over 33 years where she taught at the Cook Middle School. Mrs. Griffin was a chaperone for the annual Washington, D.C. trip for 32 years.
Deena was an excellent student and was involved in many activities during her school years beginning at Lenox Elementary, then Sparks Elementary, Cook Junior High, and Cook High School. During her Junior High years she played clarinet in the band and served as drum major during her seventh and eighth grade years. She became active in Y-Club and in showing livestock which she continued for many years including being a member of the Cook County Livestock Association. For many years, she coordinated the Washington, D.C. trip for the eighth graders. At Cook High, she continued her success as a student and was the CHS Band as a player and as a member of the drill team. She was an Honor Graduate in the CHS Class of 1984. Continuing her education at Valdosta State, she received her Bachelor's Degree and began teaching Math at Cook Middle School in August of 1993. She went on to complete her Master's and Education Specialist degrees and was considered a master math teacher. She retired in 2023 after 30 years in the classroom. However, she returned to continue teaching (2023-2026) and taught on the last day of her life.
In August of 1983, Deena Arnold met Mike Griffin. After completing a day of summer band camp, Mike took her to the Dairy Queen and that was the beginning of their 43 years together. They Married on December 28, 1985.
Mrs. Griffin is survived by her husband, Mike Griffin; one son and daughter-in-law, Seth and Julie Griffin all of Sparks; one daughter and son-in-law, Shelby and Taylor Duke of Norman Park, Georgia; her mother, Doris Franks Arnold of Lenox, Georgia; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Dawn Arnold of Lenox, Landra and Mitch Denham of Sparks; her father-in-law, Gene Griffin of Adel, Georgia; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.
Mrs. Griffin's funeral will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in the Lenox Baptist Church Family Life Center with Rev. Tim Harris officiating and a eulogy to be given by Mr. Chad Sumner. Interment will follow in the Lenox City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday evening May 15, 2026 at the Lenox Baptist Church Family Life Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deena Arnold Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund; C/O the Cook County Educational Foundation; 37 Josey Road; Adel, Georgia 31620.
Condolences may be made online at www.boonefunerals.com. Boone Funeral Home, Inc. is serving the Griffin family.
