Molly Griggs Miller

Molly Griggs Miller, 80, died at home in Nags Head, NC December 15, 2014. Molly, also known as Perky or Grandmolly by friends and family was born March 18, 1944 in Sunnyvale Hospital, New Smyrna Beach, Florida to Walton and Ruth Griggs. Molly’s local roots ran deep on both sides of the family. On her mother’s side, the Midgetts’ date back to the 1700’s on Hatteras Island. Her father’s side, one of the original families of Currituck. Molly’s youth was spent in Point Harbor, NC where her parents established the Point Harbor grill in 1946. Trips across the sound to sunbathe in Corolla and Friday nights shag dancing at the Old Nags Head Casino were key in shaping the vivacious young woman. Outgoing and gregarious as head cheerleader, Molly graduated a year early from JP Knapp School, Currituck, NC in 1961. She went on to attend Chowan College and Norfolk Business College before returning home to marry and start a family in 1966.

Molly began the 1980’s as a single mom with a new career at the Kitty Hawk post office. Life had brought her full circle back to Point Harbor where she would raise both of her sons. Before her retirement from Maple Post Office, Maple, NC as postmaster in 2006 she had completed 15 years of service at Kitty Hawk in addition to serving terms as Officer in Charge of Aydlett, Manns Harbor, and Ocracoke post office(s).

Post-retirement however, is when Molly discovered her true passion. Born out of necessity while living in Buxton, NC in 2006 Molly started her own company, Barefoot Weddings and performed her first wedding ceremony as a non-denominational wedding officiant. She took a true vested interest in every couple she married and before it was over Molly had married close to 300 couples.

Molly was equally passionate about travel and filled her retirement years with as many road trips with her sister, Margie and cruises with her niece, Suzy as time would allow. Any conversation about Molly would be remiss without mentioning her lifelong love of music of all genres, live or recorded. Beginning with regional beach music acts at the Nags Head Casino and Elvis on the Louisiana Hayride she never missed an opportunity to see her favorite acts. When Jerry Lee Lewis played the roller rink which use to sit at present day Nags Head Soundside Park, it goes without saying she was there.

Molly’s circles of friends and acquaintances spread far and covered those from all walks of life. As a friend or coworker none more kind, honest, gracious, or loyal has ever existed. As a mother or grandmother, none more loving, patient, forgiving, or selfless will ever exist. Having lost her own mother at age 19 she was all too familiar with loss and personal tragedy. She had experienced the lows of life which enabled her to fully appreciate the highs and everything in between. Molly’s sense of humor was legendary and remained fully intact into the last days of her life. Through it all she remained more concerned with those around her than herself. Molly will be dearly missed by many.

Molly was preceded in death by her first born, Freddy Hampton; husband, Ray Miller; sister, Margie Crabtree; parents, Walton and Ruth Griggs; lifelong best friend, Carole Lewellan; and faithful companion, Albert.

Molly is survived by her son, Walton Griggs Hampton, Nags Head; granddaughter, Sophie B. Hampton, Asheville, NC; grandson, Cole S. Hampton, Currituck, NC; cousin, Lisa Griggs, Osprey, FL; niece Suzy Dubel, Walnut Cove, NC; two grand nieces, Emma Griggs Dubel, Newport, ME, Molly Fincher, Stokesdale, NC; and friends and family too numerous to list. A special thanks to Molly’s hospice team at Adorations, Dr. Hodges, Christine, Kathryn, and Calvin and those that helped facilitate her final wishes- Tab, John, and Terry.

Molly’s wishes were for a Celebration of Life to be held in mid-March. Date, time, and location to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations can be make to Powells Point Christian Church, Harbinger, NC or Samaritans Purse at samaritanspurse.org.  Share an expression of sympathy with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.