Jocia Groce

Jocia Ledith (Thompson) Groce, age 87, passed away Sunday, September 19, 2010 in her home while surrounded by her family. She was born May 6, 1923 in Fentress County, Tennessee to the late Marion King and Sarah Elizabeth (Stockton) Thompson.

She married John Taylor Groce, Sr. on December 25, 1938 in Monticello, Kentucky and they were married for 63 ½ years. She belonged to the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Straughn and had been a member of the Memorial Wesleyan Church for over 40 years. When Jocia was in better health, she enjoyed reading, gardening, quilting and taking walks with her husband. They loved playing shuffleboard at Baker Park and were so proud when they would win a trophy. When she Jocia was a young girl, she worked with her family on the family farm where they raised acres of tomatoes for the canning factory. She canned all the vegetables and fruits that they raised. The family enjoyed her country cooking when she had big dinners with all the family most Sundays. Everyone loved her chicken and dumplings. During her illness, her family cared for her and was with her at all times. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Pearl (husband, Bob) Mills of New Castle, Roy (wife, Helen) Groce of New Castle, Della (husband, Ted) Mawk of Mooreland, John (wife, Carol) Groce of New Castle, Barbara (husband, Jim) Davis of New Castle, Fred (wife, Carolyn) Groce of Kennard, Larry (wife, Debbi) Groce of New Castle, Marilyn (husband, Dan) Boatman of New Castle, Linda Carter of New Castle, Danny Groce of New Castle; twenty nine grandchildren; fifty four great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Grace Thompson of Sebring, FL; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Taylor Groce, Sr. , June 25, 2002; her sons, Jerry Wayne Groce October 28, 1965 at age 11, Ronnie Joe Groce, February 12, 1964 at 11 months old; two sisters, Ocia Inez Cash and Linnie Shoopman; six brothers, William “Wig”, Walter, Clyde, Charles, Roy and Sam Thompson.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2010 at Memorial Wesleyan Church in New Castle with Pastor Paul Kirk officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be given to the Memorial Wesleyan Church, 115 Fairway Drive, New Castle IN 47362, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .