Cheryl Middlesworth Griffin

Cheryl Middlesworth Griffin, 78, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away on January 13, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Malbert and Jo Jean Middlesworth. She went by Cheri or Middles to many of her loved ones.

Cheryl was born on October 2nd, 1946, in Elgin, Illinois. She attended school at Cal Poly in Pomona, California, then pursued her career in teaching math at San Jose Middle School, located in Novato, California.

Her favorite things were her grandchildren and spending time with them. She moved out to Lynchburg after retirement to be able to spend more time with all of her grandchildren, but she loved having the time to spend with the twins and having them come spend the night. She loved taking the older two grandkids out to eat or visiting their homes. She loved volunteering with the democrats and her little home in Lynchburg. She taught math at San Jose Middle School in Novato, California from 1988 through 2012 and was recognized as a Teacher of the Year there in 2012.

She was an exceptional teacher and poured so much into her students. She loved tutoring and working with kids in the district's Mathlete program. She really fostered a love of math in so many students and supported new teachers as they came in to ensure they would provide the best to students also. Numerous teachers and students have reached out to share stories of how Cheryl inspired them and how she impacted their lives.

Cheryl was an avid volunteer with the Democratic Party in every place that she lived. She fought for diversity, equity and inclusion throughout society and wanted to be a part of a world that held these same principles. She wanted a world that did not include systemic inequality and was very vocal against those who did not hold her same beliefs. 

Cheryl was a friend to everyone and maintained many friendships over 70 years. She and her friend Barbara Cregier made the news when Cheryl stole her mom’s car as a teenager in Illinois to run away to California. It may not have been funny then, but today that is a great story to share regarding one of her many adventures.

Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Sarah Manwarren (Jason) of Evington, VA; son, Nicholas "Joey" Griffin of Hollywood, CA; sister, Susan Cox (Todd) of Loveland, CO; nieces Jaime Peterson (Scott) of Windsor, CO, and Melissa Stepler (Dan) of Stafford, VA; nephew, Ricky Middlesworth (Ben) of North Hills, CA; grandchildren Madison Manwarren (Liberty University student), Lennie Manwarren (James Madison University student), Lincoln Manwarren, and Parker Manwarren, twins who attend Liberty Christian Academy. She also leaves behind numerous cousins from her extensive family, many still in Illinois.

In addition to her parents, Cheryl is preceded in death by her brother, Terry Middlesworth.

A celebration of life will be held on January 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community Church with Pastor Jeremy Wilkinson officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Marin County Office of Education Mathletes. Donation information can be found at https://everloved.com/life-of/cheryl-griffin/.