Ethelena Groce

Mrs. Ethelena "Poochie" Groce was born to the Ocie Lewis, Sr. and Louella Chatman Lewis on July 5, 1961 in Talladega, Alabama. Ethelena was a true servant of the Lord, and it was proven throughout her earthly journey. At an early age, Ethelena united with Miracle Revival Temple in Anniston, Alabama, under the leadership of Pastor Paul and Ruby Blackwell where she served faithfully until her health began to decline at which time she was under the leadership of Pastor Walter and Jean Carr. She received her education in the Talladega County school system and was a graduate of Ophelia S. Hill High School. Ethelena was such an enthusiastic, energetic, and fun-loving person with an infectious personality and sweet spirit. Upon completing her education, Ethelena began her working career in various fields including retail management with CATO's and environmental services at Regional Medical Center. She served faithfully as a domestic engineer fostering many children as this was a perfectly chosen career for her due to her loving and caring heart for others. She loved her job because she enjoyed talking to people. At the tender age of fifteen, Ethelena fell in love and married her soulmate, Wallace Groce, and to this union came the blessing of nine beautiful children. Due to God's plan a loving daughter was chosen to become one of his heavenly servants. Ethelena's children were the joys of her life. There wasn't a thing in this world she would not do for her children. She always made sure their needs came first and they had the best she could possibly give them. She loved having her children and grandchildren around her and seeing them happy is what motivated her in life. Ethelena was definitely a people person, the life of the party, and she never met a stranger. She genuinely cared about every person she encountered, all along the way touching people's lives in some way, shape, form, or fashion. Ethelena always greeted you with a vibrant smile that would brighten your day, even at your darkest moment and would then start a conversation. She would leave you with an impression you would always remember. Ethelena was full of life and was grateful for every moment she had of it, loving and living it to its fullest regardless of what it had to offer. Ethelena, known as "QUEEN" by her daughter and family, affectionately known to many as "POOCHIE", but known to all as "THE FASHIONISTA QUEEN," loved to shop, dress, and socialized. Wherever you saw Ethelena, you saw FASHION! She was a flamboyant dresser who had her own style when it came to clothing. Ethelena enjoyed entertainment and entertaining others, but nothing could take the place of her husband of nearly forty-nine years; whom she loved unconditionally. Traveling, interior decorating and preparing meals for family gatherings was her passion. It is no doubt that when she began walking at the age of 6 months, her mission was to move swiftly throughout life. Ethelena was the definition of a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She is truly going be missed by all the hearts she has touched and the joy she brought to everyone she encountered. On Tuesday morning, Ethelena "Queen" Groce, made her grand entrance through those pearly gates while in the comfort of her home surrounded by her beloved family. Ethelena realized the battle was not hers, it was the Lord's; knowing that she had fought a good fight, she had finished her course, and she had kept her faith and now it was time for her to calmly gained her heavenly wings and accept her crown of righteousness the Lord has prepared for her as she transitioned to her eternal home hearing the call of her Master saying, "Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant." As she reached the heavenly realm, she was reunited with her father, Ocie Lewis, Sr., daughter, Sheena Williams, brother, Ocie Lewis, Jr., grandparents, M.C. and Everlena Chatman and Ethel Lewis, aunts, Mary (Truman) McCloud, Sarah Bagley, uncle, Henry Chatman, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Robinson. Ethelena leaves behind a legacy woven with love and memories to forever be cherished by her devoted husband, Wallace Groce; five sons, Phillip (Stephanie) Groce, Raymond Groce, Jarmail Groce, Jeremiah Groce, and Jayceon Groce; three daughters, Tajanda "Renae" (Mario) Dickerson, Diamond (Briley Tidwell) Groce, and Ashley (Quidarious) Mitchell; beloved mother, Louella Lewis; sister, Vivian (Barry) Adkins; aunts, Everlena (Warren) Gooden, Annie Chatman, and Flossie Chatman; uncle, Melvin (Shirley) Chatman; grandchildren, Derryl Groce, Jasmyne (Justin) Jones, Tabitha McNeil, Monica McNeil, Desmond Cooley, Wallace K. Groce, P.J. Groce, Akaia Williams, Roderick Jemison, Aaron Williams, Antwan Williams, Chris McNeil, Amberly Groce, Savannah Williams, Kryson Tidwell, Devin Tidwell, Lola Tidwell, and Nolan Mitchell; in-laws, Carrie (Larry) Davis, Brenda (Tim) Truss, Roger (Carrie) Storey, and Linda Robinson; in-laws, Carrie (Larry) Davis, Brenda (Tim) Truss, and Roger (Carrie) Storey; best friends, Leila Rogers and Maxine Price; Goddaughter, Melody Rogers; and a wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends who will forever have her memories etched in their hearts. Ethelena's journey was, indeed, a blessing-a tapestry woven with love, kindness, and an indelible spirit that touched all. Her radiant light will continue to inspire and guide those she leaves behind. Ethelena Groce will remain forever in our hearts-her laughter, her love, and her legacy of service shining brightly as we continue to celebrate the beautiful life she lived.

Tributes

Ethelena Groce

July 5, 1961 - March 3, 2026