Celebrating the life of
Bette Barbaree Grooms
August 06, 1925 - April 26, 2014
Savannah-Bette Barbaree Grooms, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 26, 2014.
Born on August 6, 1925 in Savannah, GA to the late William Iverson and Ruby Burkhalter Barbaree, she graduated from Commercial High School and The University of Georgia/Georgia State University. She married the love of her life Thomas Lafayette Grooms, Jr. in which they had 50 years together. They were charter members of Southside Baptist Church and also served on the PTO of Calvary Day School. She won a National Spelling Bee contest, a number of Jitterbug contests and was a member of NARFE.
Mrs. Grooms was a dedicated Executive Secretary for the Federal Government with over 25 years of Civil Service. She was particularly proud of her efforts and accomplishments at Fort Pulaski. She also served the 3rd ID and retired from the Corp of Engineers in 1988.
She and her husband owned and operated a Dipper Dan Ice Cream franchise in Daytona Beach. They certainly enjoyed their retirement and friends at First Baptist of Daytona. Later, they returned to Savannah where they lived out their lives.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas L. Grooms, Jr, a daughter Deborah Elizabeth Grooms and a son, Joseph William Grooms.
She is survived by her sister, Miriam Barbaree Brinson, a son, Thomas L. Grooms, III Brynda of Savannah, daughters Joyce Southern of Augusta and Janice Grooms Humphreys of Savannah. Grandchildren – Charisee Grooms Warrington Brian, Ashley Angle, Heather Grooms Wills Josh, Thomas Joseph Grooms, Scarlett Elizabeth Sanson, Jacob William Grooms, Kayleigh Broxton and Bradley Beecher; 5 great-grandchildren, scores of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special thanks to Sara Mosley – her caregiver.
Visitation: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at Southside Baptist Church, 5502 Skidaway Road. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
I am so sorry to read of your mother's passing. My parents Faustine and Don Middleton always had so much fun together at church and as neighbors. I will always cherish the memories of them being together. Your parents were such dear, caring, loving Christians. They are now all rejoicing in Heaven together once again.
- Dotti Holbrook, Ormond Beach, FL
My deepest sympathy to the family of Bette Barbaree Grooms for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to 'wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed.'
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
Dear Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mom and your dad. I hope you find comfort in knowing that they are once again together. I also remember Joe. So many losses. I pray that you are doing well and I have never forgotten our friendship. With much love, Vicki
- Vicki Hammett Duma, , OH
MOM, SCARLETT, AND BRAD, I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, JUST KNOW THAT I AM HERE FOR YOU IF YOU NEED ANYTHING. PRAYERS HEADING YOUR WAY. LOVE SOPHIA
- SOPHIA, pooler, GA
So sorry, Tommy, Heather and Charisee, for your loss. May you find strength and comfort in the memories you share. She must have been a very special lady to have such a special family!
- Patty Cannady, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to read of your mother's passing. My parents Faustine and Don Middleton always had so much fun together at church and as neighbors. I will always cherish the memories of them being together. Your parents were such dear, caring, loving Christians. They are now all rejoicing in Heaven together once again.
- Dotti Holbrook, Ormond Beach, FL
My deepest sympathy to the family of Bette Barbaree Grooms for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to 'wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed.'
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
Dear Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mom and your dad. I hope you find comfort in knowing that they are once again together. I also remember Joe. So many losses. I pray that you are doing well and I have never forgotten our friendship. With much love, Vicki
- Vicki Hammett Duma, , OH
MOM, SCARLETT, AND BRAD, I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, JUST KNOW THAT I AM HERE FOR YOU IF YOU NEED ANYTHING. PRAYERS HEADING YOUR WAY. LOVE SOPHIA
- SOPHIA, pooler, GA
So sorry, Tommy, Heather and Charisee, for your loss. May you find strength and comfort in the memories you share. She must have been a very special lady to have such a special family!
- Patty Cannady, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
