Carolyn Groves

Carolyn Avery Spears Groves
Sunrise, June 17, 1932 – Sunset, April 25, 2016


Born June 17, 1932, the eldest daughter of James Williams Spears II and Ruby Spears, Carolyn departed this life on 25th of April 2016.
Carolyn was a native Tennessean though she spent her last years with her sister in California. She graduated from Knoxville College with a BA in elementary education and completed her Masters in education with the University of Colorado. After spending 35 years as a teacher with the Knoxville Tennessee school system, she worked four years with East Knoxville YMCA. Service to community, especially the youth was her passion.
She continued the family tradition of work in the AME Zion Methodist Church where she served faithfully as church steward, church treasurer, alternate delegate to general council AME Zion, District Lay Council, and Tennessee conference trustee for AME General Council from the Maryville district. Her devotion was all encompassing. Yet she found time to devote to her community club as well as serve as election poll member. If that was not enough, during University of Tennessee registration, she worked the table helping students with enrollment. She was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Carolyn was an artist who sought to learn the craft from well known artist such as Ruth Brice. Her paintings were awesome. She was a writer and leaves behind publications in local poetry books “The Dogwood” as well as a published novelette, “Kudzu, kids and watermelon seeds.” Her book of poetry reflects her love of family and is currently in publication. She was an amazing needlework proponent. She was curious about everything and enjoyed traveling a great deal.
Her homecoming was preceded by her husband Lenwood Groves, parents James and Ruby Spears, brother, James William Spears III and nephews Mark Spears and Tyler Ellis.
Carolyn is survived by her son Scott, Daughter-in-law Julie, her beloved sister, Constance Spears Ennix, brother Julian Herbert Spears, two sister-in-laws Marjorie Gibson Spears and Merelyn Spears, beloved nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Kelly, Kailah, Frank, Karen, Lisa, Larry, Marchell, James IV, Judith, Jeffrey, Evan, Jennifer, Wilma and several great nieces, nephews and cousins of the Spears/Holland/Fortsan/Rector/Yette clan.
She was our heart and we loved her dearly. Her smiles, laughter, humor, companionship and love will be sorely missed.