Kathleen Berry Groves

Kathleen Berry Groves, was born May 9, 1921 in London England, and joined the Church Expectant on January 4, 2008. Born in the post war depression era she was given up for adoption, never knowing her birth mother. Her adoptive family was loving but very poor. At a preschool age Kathleen lost 80% of her hearing from diphtheria and the medical treatments she received. This was a major handicap in school and throughout her life. She fell through a glass roof while playing hide and seek and was also hit by a car, both accidents resulting in breaking her legs and leaving them scarred for life. She had to give up school and work for pennies a day to help support her family, never receiving a full education. She lived through World War II, losing 2 brothers and working in a harsh environment as a welder in a munitions plant, which would scar her lungs creating chronic breathing problems later in life. Despite these hardships she was warm, loving and giving, caring more for others than for herself. Through her life lessons she became a teacher by her actions always sharing her love and joy for life. She married Eric Groves in March of 1945 and in 1947 they came to America to forge a new life, building a house and raising a family. Not daunted by two sons who were less than little angels, Kathleen, through her faith, strength and patience was a loving, wonderful mother, who never gave up, accepting nothing less than the best from her sons. She taught them by example, whether basic skills of life such as cooking, ironing, sewing (an accomplished seamstress, she made countless outfits for family members), gardening (people would stop to photograph her garden), fishing, swimming, riding a bicycle, or important values like faith in God, good manners and respect. Life made her tough and she pulled no punches. That was her way; she made observations and voiced them, and her actions inspired and encouraged others. She exemplified the lesson that good manners are a way of showing respect to others, and because of this, others always respected her. She was thrifty, able to do much with little. She was creative and imaginative and could take what other people discarded and create beautiful art, like angels and ornaments, banners and flower arrangements. Kathleen reached beyond her family, volunteering as a teacher's aide in her sons' elementary school, teaching Sunday school (always coming up with new and exciting ways to teach about Jesus) and working in the public library. Later she volunteered with Meals on Wheels and most recently was Altar Guild Directress at All Souls Anglican Church. She was devoted to her church and her strength and faith despite adversity were a constant inspiration to others. Kathleen considered others first, and no matter how badly she felt she always said she was "fine" and worried about how others were feeling. Kathleen touched many lives and her spirit of caring and love, of others and of God, will live on. She is survived by her husband, Eric J. Groves, of Asheboro; son and daughter-in-Jaw Mark and Barbara Groves, and grandchildren Erica and Timothy of Shelburne, VT; son Jason Groves of Mill Spring, NC; granddaughter Julie Morgan; grandsons Kyle and Morgan Groves; and great grandchildren Jacob, Hunter and Danielle Morgan. The memorial service will be at 11 :00 a.m. on January 26, 2008, at All Souls Anglican Church, (2898 Old Cox Rd., Asheboro) with the Rev. Canon R. Larry Emerson, Vicar, officiating, assisted by Eric Groves and Bob Schrecengost. A reception will be held following the scattering of the ashes in St. Mary's Prayer Garden. Memorials may be made to All Souls Anglican Church, PO Box 1732, Asheboro,NC 27204