Shelby Whitaker Groce

Mrs. Shelby Jean Whitaker Groce, 85, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022. She was born May 26, 1937 in Yadkin County to the late Henry Franklin Whitaker, and Mary Weatherman Whitaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Braxton “Sam” Whitaker, and brother-in-law, Bobby Gough. Mrs. Groce was a talented artist. She enjoyed painting, making wooden crafts, quilting, and making lamp shades. She loved farming, gardening, and was a great cook. Shelby dearly loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bobby Owen Groce; her children, Tim (Priscilla) Groce, and Sherry (Edward) Allen; grandchildren, Dusty Allen, Ashley (Brendan) Garcia, Kala (Gregory) Longworth; great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Allen, Nick Allen, Sophie Garcia, Xander Garcia, Wesley Longworth, Bobby Longworth; and her sister, Jackie Gough. The family will receive friends at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Jonesville, Monday, July 18, 2022 from 1:45 PM till 2:45 PM. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 3:00 PM in the Gentry Family Chapel with Rev. Don Hudson and Rev. Josh Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at Fall Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family would like to thank Shelby’s special care givers, Nancy, Bailee, and Caleb Crouse and the staff of Mtn. Valley Hospice, for the loving care shown Shelby and her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fall Creek Baptist Church Mission Fund, 3345 Fall Creek Church Rd., Jonesville, NC 28642 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.