Louisa F. Griffith-Slyfield

A Life and Legacy of Louisa Griffith-Slyfield

Louisa Griffith-Slyfield was born on October 21, 1933, in the Canal Zone of the Republic of Panama. She was the third child of Claude Pedro and Alberta Veronica Yard. She was raised by her grandmother, and the deep devotion to the church shaped her life from the very beginning. At 16 years old, she fell in love with Wilbert Weeks, and together they were blessed with eight children. Life was difficult, but God’s grace sustained them through every challenge. For a time, they lived with her husband’s mother—and it was there that she first heard the Advent message, a truth that changed her life forever. She was baptized, and her heart was filled with purpose. Throughout the years, she worked hard, served as a Red Cross volunteer, and found purpose in helping others. In 1970, she migrated to the United States and lived in California. She lived there for two years, practiced practical nursing, and returned home. Life was still hard at home, so her daughter sent for her to return to the United States. It was on that plane ride to America that she met Arthur Griffith. They exchanged phone numbers, and after years of long-distance phone calls, he asked her to marry him. They moved to the Bronx, where she worked as a Personal Care Assistant. She earned her GED and stayed active in the Grand Concourse SDA Church and Tabernacle of Joy. They eventually brought the children over to join them. She settled in a beautiful home in Lockport, New York. In 1985, she moved to Springfield, Massachusetts. One Sabbath, a kind gentleman brushed powder from her neck and she smiled—and from that small gesture grew a blessed friendship. She married Elder Slyfield two years later. For 20 wonderful years, God gave them love, companionship, and joy until he too was laid to rest. Together they shared unforgettable memories, including the privilege of visiting the Holy Land in Jerusalem. For over 20 years, she had been a faithful member of the Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her greatest joy was using the gift God gave her—her voice. She sang in the Sanctuary Choir, sang many solos, and lifted hearts in worship. She was Head Deaconess, Community Service Worker, and Sabbath School Teacher. Through it all, the Lord was her light and her salvation—her favorite scripture, Psalm 27, was her constant strength. And her heart’s song, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” carried her through every chapter of her life. She is survived by her sons Wilbert Weeks, Raymond Weeks, Irving and Magaly Weeks, David and Bonnita Weeks, Gregorio Weeks, Raul Weeks, and Lionel Yard of Springfield (her only surviving brother); daughter-in-law Betty Weeks; and deceased children Valerie Weeks, Emanuel Weeks, and Janet Weeks. Also survived by her stepdaughters Veta Simpson (Vincent Simpson), Viviene Smith (Donald Smith), Dr. Janet Slyfield, Daphne Slyfield, Flora Brown (Lloyd Brown), Claudette McIntosh (George McIntosh), and Cleveland Slyfield of St. Catherine, Jamaica; adopted daughter Clara Snowden; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends. She lived a life of faith, love, and service. Though she will be missed, she prayed that her life stood as a testimony to God’s goodness and grace. May God bless each of you, as He had so richly blessed me. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church, 797 State St., Springfield, MA, beginning with a viewing from 10–11 AM, followed by a church service at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, 426 Bay Street, Springfield, MA. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Louisa’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.