Shirley Groce

Shirley Groce passed from this life on December 19, 2021, at the age of 93. She was born on March 15, 1928, in Petersburg Texas to Stella Hanna Heard and 0. H. "Hoss" Heard. She lived in her childhood home of Petersburg, Texas until moving to San Angelo in July of 2009 to live at the Baptist Retirement Community where she immediately became an active resident. She married her high school sweetheart Charles Groce on December 29, 1945, in Petersburg, shortly after his return from World War II. They purchased a quarter of the Groce family farm and began farming and raising a family. Together they raised 4 children as well as a niece who joined them in her mid-teen years. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, sister Dell Oran "Dello" Heard Patterson, brother Mentor Mac Heard, son Coe Mac Groce, nieces Lisa Smitherman and Annette Patterson, and grandsons Paul Groce and Michael Groce. She is survived by two sons, Stephen Ray Groce (wife Cyndee) of Eastland, Texas, and Rev. Kerry Groce (wife Kay) of Mead, Oklahoma, daughter Joy Allen (husband Sam) of San Angelo, Texas, and daughter-in-law Pam Groce of Austin, Texas. As Maimna Shirley, she is also survived by three generations of ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren along with many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were just like family. She graduated from Petersburg High School and worked with her father in the grain elevator business until the early 80's. She worked at Petersburg High School for two years and was then elected Justice of the Peace for Hale County Precinct 3 in January of 1983 and served as Justice of the Peace until her retirement in 1996. She also served as municipal judge in Petersburg for several years until she moved to San Angelo. She enjoyed being a judge and was proud of the fact that she received a plaque calling her "the meanest judge in Hale County." In 2004 She was recognized as Petersburg citizen of the year along with Kim Porter. She was a great cook, enjoyed card games with her friends in Petersburg, and also became quite talented at creating stained glass artwork. She looked after many friends and loved ones in and around Petersburg, often driving them to doctor's appointments in nearby Lubbock and other areas, and generally caring for them. She would remark that you can call a wrong number in Petersburg and still get help. She was an avid fan of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball team, holding season tickets for a number of years and attending games with her friends. She was a member of First Baptist Church Petersburg, and after moving to San Angelo, attended Sierra Vista United Methodist Church enjoying Saturday evening worship services. She was the truest of prayer warriors for family, friends, and anyone in need. The family will hold a private burial at Petersburg Cemetery. A memorial service honoring Shirley's life will be held on January 29, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Petersburg. All are invited to the memorial service, followed by a time for fellowship. Those desiring to honor Shirley's memory are urged to contribute to the Petersburg Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 270, Petersburg, Texas 79250, or to a charity of your choice. The last two years of Shirley's life were difficult, for her dementia robbed her of both memories and her health, but she remained cheerful and congenial and at peace. We who mourn her are blessed by both the love her caretakers felt for her and the care they gave her. We will forever be grateful to the staff of the Mayfield Unit of Sagecrest Memory care on the Baptist Retirement campus. Shirley's niece Dena recalled a quote that fit her well: "Time is the most precious gift you can give someone." She added that Shirley made time for her family and all the masses! Indeed, she was an independent woman of faith who lived a life filled with wisdom, strength, courage, and common sense.