Aryanna Nicole Griffin

Aryanna Nicole Griffin, affectionately known as Aryanna, passed away at the age of 8 on February 21, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born on March 18, 2016, in Dothan, Alabama, Aryanna was a beacon of joy and kindness to all who knew her.

From a very young age, Aryanna's vibrant spirit and friendly demeanor touched the lives of many. Her infectious smile and boundless energy were most evident when she was indulging in her love for music and dance, or while playing her favorite sports, volleyball and basketball. Aryanna's competitive spirit shone brightly whether she was on the court or racing go-carts at Adventureland, an activity she adored. Her love for life was also expressed through her cherished collection of stuffed animals and her fondness for jewelry, which added a sparkle to her everyday adventures.

Aryanna's education was cultivated at home, where she learned not just academics but also the values of kindness and courage, attributes that came to define her. These qualities were evident in every aspect of her life, from her interactions with her family and friends to the way she faced her illness with bravery beyond her years.

She leaves behind a loving family who supported her throughout her life and her illness. Aryanna was the cherished daughter of Edtron Griffin and Lakeria King, and a beloved sister to Tyanna Balcom, Jakayla Balcom, and Resse Brown. Her grandparents, Josephine Thomas, Martha Ashley (Connie), and Kimberly Griffin (Eddie), along with her great-grandparents, Emma Bittman and Milton King, provided her with an abundance of love and wisdom. Her aunts, Jessica Barkley, Alicia Griffin, Faith Griffin, Glenda Barkley, Pamela Hall (Nathaniel), and Tina Young, along with her uncles, Gabriel Griffin and Robert Barkley (Jackie), were integral to her life's tapestry.

Aryanna's vibrant life was enriched by the close bond she shared with her cousins Victory Griffin, Tre Griffin, Serenity Griffin, Caleb Ware, and Paul Ware. Her extended family, including great-aunts Naomi Brackins, Irene Chamber (Johnny), Mary West, Jannie Bell Griffin, Joan Carter, and great-uncle Charles Griffin (Peggy), will fondly remember her as a light that shone brightly, albeit for too short a time.

Aryanna's legacy is one of love, laughter, and the extraordinary strength of a young girl who faced life's challenges with the heart of a lion. She will be remembered for her kind and friendly nature, and the courage with which she lived every moment of her life. Her memory will forever be a guiding light to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

As we say goodbye to Aryanna Nicole Griffin, we will celebrate her life at 11:00 am on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4pm until 6pm. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.