In Memoriam: Steelworkers Local 1899’s Wesley Griggs, Sr.

Wesley Burton Griggs, a member of Steel Workers Local 1899, died May 3 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was 77.

Brother Griggs, of East St. Louis,  was born July 31,1944, in St. Louis to Moses “Doc” Griggs and Maggie (Phillips) Griggs. He was the youngest of 10 blood brothers and sisters and five adopted.

He graduated from Madison High School in 1962 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1962. He served until November 1968. Afterward, he was employed with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing and worked there for two years. Later, he worked at U.S. Steel in Granite City as an inspector and retired after 37 years as a member of Local 1899 in 2008.

A loving and dedicated husband and father, Brother Griggs could always be found with a smile on his face. He had a loving, upbeat and joyful spirit which could always put a smile on your face as he always enjoyed making others laugh. He relished in spending time with family, being in nature, traveling and the ministry.

Brother Griggs is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Mary Martha Griggs; his brother, Roger (Yvonne) Griggs; his sister, Vernice (Elvers) Johnson; his children, Wesley (Ashley) Griggs Jr., Kara (Jason) Stewart, Philip (Ciera) Griggs, Sr.; his grandchildren, Gabrielle Griggs, Philip Griggs, Jr., Wesley Griggs, III, Jaylan Stewart and Kameron Griggs; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded by his parents; four sisters, Lubirder Payne, Lavera Benton, Charlsie Taylor, and Rosie Lee Baucum; and eight brothers: Solomon Griggs, Douglas Griggs, Earl Griggs, James Griggs, Augusta Griggs, Gerald Griggs Sr., O’Larry Griggs and Donald Griggs.

A funeral service was held on May 13 at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd. in Fairview Heights, Ill., followed by interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.