Lela Groves

Lela Edith Groves passed from this earth on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at Whispering Pines Care Center, Winnsboro, TX. She was born to Melvin and Clara Mather Tallman, January 11, 1916 in Chase County, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Joe, in October 1988. She was the last survivor of her generation in both hers and Joe's families. Surviving her are two children, a daughter, Joyce and William Tucker of Gray, Georgia, and son, D.L. Groves and Janice Evans of Abilene, Texas. Also grandchildren, Mitch Tucker Michelle and Jarrell Davis, Jason and Gayle Groves, Nate and Courtney Groves and four great grandchildren, Misha Reed, Shelby Tucker and Elisa, Crockett and Sophia Groves.

For the past 15 years one of Ms. Lela's greatest joy's came from working at the Children's Advocacy Center. When she was 87 she was awarded the Children's Advocacy Centers Volunteer Team Excellence Award for the State of Texas. Just before receiving the award she began working half days at the Center and continued working until she was past 94, when her health prevented her from continuing. January 30, 2010, the reception of the Center, by State of Texas Proclamation, became the "Lela Groves Reception Area" in her honor. Ms. Lela was a Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church of Winnsboro. She was a Saturday morning volunteer at Presbyterian Hospital and a member of the Eastern Star.

A Memorial Service celebrating Ms. Lela's life will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012 at the First Baptist Church of Winnsboro. She hopes her friends at the Center, in the Eastern Star and her Sunday School Class will be Honorary Pallbearers. The family would like to thank the staff at Whispering Pines for their excellent care, and also they wish to thank Mom's dear friend, Shirl Bonner for becoming her confidant, chauffer and gal Friday. Shirl gave Mom many hours getting outside and going places.

NO FLOWERS, Ms. Lela was adamant about this. If you wish to honor her send a gift to the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center.