The family of state Rep. Claudia Griffith has confirmed she has died at the age of 67.
The Democrat from Norman was elected to the House in 2014 and again in 2016. She had recently been running for state Senate and was set for a runoff in August against Mary Boren. Boren says she will suspend campaign activities to honor Griffith and her family.
Griffith spent a full career in healthcare, recently serving as the Executive Director of Health for Friends, a healthcare non-profit organization which provided prenatal, chronic disease, pharmacy and dental services to the underserved.
Gov. Mary Fallin said on Twitter late Saturday that she was saddened by the news.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Rep. Claudia Griffith. I appreciated her efforts on the Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program, where she worked to improve services for our veterans. She was a concerned & hardworking legislator. Please keep her family in your thoughts & prayers.
— Governor Mary Fallin (@GovMaryFallin) July 14, 2018
Griffith was married with three children and had recently welcomed her first granddaughter. Funeral services are pending.
Rep. Claudia Griffith (D-Norman) has died at age 67. This post features condolences and remarks from a bipartisan group of her #okleg colleagues who remember her fondly as "a true leader." https://t.co/t3uYcBlom3 pic.twitter.com/M8s86ZfVMg
— NonDoc (@nondocmedia) July 14, 2018
Saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rep. Claudia Griffith. Cindy and I pray for her family, friends & colleagues in the #Oklahoma State House.
— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) July 15, 2018
— Emily Virgin (@EmilyVirginOK) July 15, 2018
Today, we’ve lost not only a great representative and advocate for healthcare, public education, and women’s rights, but Rep. Claudia Griffith was also my friend. Please keep her family in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/TIDzamJgRX
— Rep. Jacob Rosecrants (@jacobrosecrants) July 15, 2018
Claudia was a genuinely wonderful, caring woman. I will miss her very much, and I will be praying for her family.https://t.co/e2m4Kiaw9V
— Jon Echols (@jonechols) July 15, 2018
My heart just sank when I learned of Claudia Griffith’s passing. She was a bright light and gone too soon. She cared deeply and passionately about people. Her spirit will live on if we all try a little harder to live in service to others.
— Forrest Bennett (@ForrestBennett) July 14, 2018
Saddened by the sudden passing of a friend & colleague, Rep. Claudia Griffith. She dedicated her professional life to serving others as a nurse and later as a state representative. Claudia was a great role model, friend, colleague, and public servant.
— Rep. Mickey Dollens (@MickeyDollens) July 14, 2018
