Nancy Groves

Nita Groves GASTONIA - Nancy "Nita" Bell Groves, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at her residence at Covenant Village. Born in Gaston County, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Eugene Bell and Pearl Rhyne Bell. Mrs. Groves was a retired bookkeeper, having been employed with Leon Schneider Department Store for 25 years and Matthews Belk Department Store for 15 years. A longstanding member of the First Baptist Church in Gastonia, Mrs. Groves was involved with the Joy Club and the Celebration Choir. A member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years, Mrs. Groves was also active with the Swinging Stars Square Dancers. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Groves was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, W.C. Groves, Jr. and a brother, Lawrence E. Bell, Jr. Mrs. Groves is survived by her children and their spouses, Barbara G. Yarbrough of Gastonia, Kathy G. and Keith Holland of Lake Norman, David A. and Sheila Groves of Greensboro, Steve Groves of Gastonia; grandchildren and spouses, Chris and Amy Groves, Barbara Ann Yarbrough, Crystal and Nick Thomas, and Donna and Paul Seagle; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; her friend of over sixty years, Hazel McLean. Family and friends of Mrs. Groves are invited to attend her visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, from the Living Room at Covenant Village and also from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Friday, March 21, from the Parlor at First Baptist Church where a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Dr. Ray Ammons will officiate. Condolences may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com. Memorial contributions may be sent to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6298, Gastonia, NC 28056 or the Covenant Village Benevolent Fund, 1351 Robinwood Road, Gastonia, NC 28054. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the entire staff at Covenant Village for their love and compassionate care of Mrs. Groves. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mrs. Groves.