Edrea Frances Griffiths of Dexter, Michigan, age 82, died December 18, 2023, at Hillside Terrace. She was born July 29, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of John Raymond and Edrea Frances (Lyman) Scudder. Edrea will be remembered for her dedication to the youth of Dexter; she taught second, third, and fourth grade at Bates Elementary from 1967 to 1997, touching young lives across two generations. She continued as a volunteer in the Cornerstone Elementary library for another 20 years after her retirement. Edrea had a wonderful ability to remember her students when meeting them again later in life.
Edrea grew up in Redford Township, graduating from Redford Union High School in 1959. In her youth she worked at her dad's store, “Ray's Market,” and spent many summers at the family’s cottage on Gallagher Lake. There she enjoyed swimming and water skiing, and she became a Water Safety Instructor at age 15.
Edrea graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's in Sociology & Elementary Education in 1963 and remained a proud Chippewa throughout her life. At CMU she was a member of the synchronized swimming club and Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society. Edrea’s love of theater started with her college drama classes. She served as the Box Office Manager for the Houghton Lake Playhouse for two years in the latter part of her college career, and she remained an avid theatergoer throughout her life. Edrea was always up for a play, especially of it was a musical.
Edrea taught in Garden City for three years before coming to Dexter. She earned a Master's in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and was a member of the Michigan Education Association of Retired School Personnel. In her retirement she continued to enjoy trips to the theater, eating out, watching the birds on her porch, and especially her annual trips to Florida with her friend Mary Lynne and her family.
Edrea is survived by a son, Donald & Yelena Griffiths of Dexter; and two grandchildren, Grisha and Dima. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Ronald John Scudder of Dexter.
The family will greet friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Thursday, December 28 from 3-4 pm, with a brief ceremony at 4 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Dexter Library, 3255 Alpine St, Dexter, MI 48130 or Educational Foundation of Dexter, PO Box 385, Dexter, MI 48130.
Click here to view the slideshow of Edrea's life
Click here to view the video of Edrea's service
ick here to view the video of Edrea's memorial serviceYou may share a memory or leave a message for Edrea's family using the form below. Please allow 24 hours for us to review and post your message.
Comments
Aunt Edrea was such a joy to talk with about a wide range of topics. She had a keen sense of humor and certainly loved music and theater. She saw the positive side of life. Edrea cared so much about her grandchildren. She appreciated their gifts, talents and their interests and passions. She was very proud of her son and daughter in law. Her love of her family was clear. Our deepest condolences Gary and Myra Court