Jennifer Griffin

Jennifer Shirl Griffin-Harris (“Jen”) September 25, 1983 – February 3, 2026 Jennifer Shirl Griffin-Harris, lovingly known as “Jen,” was born on September 9, 1983, in Merrillville, Indiana to Larry and Albennie Griffin.

Jennifer most recently resided in Cleveland, Mississippi, but spent the majority of her life in Merrillville and Gary, Indiana. She was a proud graduate of Merrillville High School, Class of 2003. Following in her family’s footsteps, Jennifer became a nurse. Despite battling her own health challenges, she found great joy in caring for others. Many wondered how she managed it, yet she always found the strength to persevere. She once said, “When I go, tell people I was a fighter,” and indeed, she was a true fighter.

Jennifer was a pure daddy’s girl who would often refer to her father as her bestfriend, towards the end of her life she was able to spend her days with him doing what they enjoyed, eating, talking and laughing. She was also a devoted shoe enthusiast, especially when it came to gym shoes. She owned more pairs than one person could possibly wear.

One of her greatest joys was spending time with her nieces and nephews, serving as their biggest cheerleader. She often spoke with excitement about her niece Charisma’s senior year and graduation, looking forward to celebrating those important milestones. Jennifer once shared, “I just want to make it until Pooh is 25.” In her 41 years of life, Jennifer overcame countless challenges with courage and grace. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered—as the girl with the pretty eyes to some, a doting aunt to others, a devoted friend, a loving daughter, and so much more to all who knew and loved her.

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Ryan Harris; her father, Larry Griffin; her brothers Carl Griffin, Derek Gilkey; and her sister, Brandi Lawrence-Knocke (Michael). She also leaves behind the niece and nephews she adored more than anything on this earth: Charisma “Pooh”, Carter “Fatman”, and Carson “Smiley”. She is further survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends who loved her dearly. Jennifer was preceded in death by her mother, Albennie Griffin, along with many other cherished family members and friends.