June Barger Groce

June Barger Groce, 94, died Thursday, October 10, 2013, surrounded by the loving spirit of her family. Born September 17, 1919, in Asheville, NC, to Berry Foster Barger and Flossie Rogers Barger, June received her education, married, raised her family, and, with the exception of three years during World War II, she remained in Asheville her entire life. She married Fred Ford Groce in September, 1941, and moved with her husband to Abilene, TX, where he was stationed in the United States Army, and they began their family. In 1945, they returned to Asheville where her husband Fred resumed his career as co-owner of Groce Funeral Home. June was instrumental in the formation of St. George's Episcopal Church where she was a charter member. She served in a leadership role in every aspect of the life of the little church in Malvern Hills throughout its fifty eight year history. In 2001 the church named 'June Groce Fellowship Hall' in her honor. She served as chairman of the Episcopal Deanery, President of the Episcopal Church Women, and held numerous leadership positions in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina throughout the years. June was involved in the growth and development of Groce Funeral Home in the early years and in the formation of Abernethy Methodist Church, which was founded by her father-in-law, the Rev. T. A. Groce, Sr. Active in many civic organizations, June served as president of the Rhododendron Club of Asheville and the Salvation Army Board. She was instrumental in the formation of both Thoms Hospital Board and the Deerfield Retirement Center Auxiliary Board where she served as president and as a volunteer for many years. She served with love and compassion as a volunteer with the Prison Ministry and with Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministries from its inception until recent years. June was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Fred Ford Groce, four sisters, and four brothers. She is survived by her sons, Fred F. Groce, Jr. and wife Cindy of Asheville; John A. Groce and wife Lori of Asheville; her daughters, Laura Groce Thomas and husband John of Charlotte; and Martha Hughes-Davis and husband Jim of Atlanta; six granddaughters, Robin Groce Fulk (Chris), Lindsey Groce Whitlatch (Jason), Virginia Groce Monroe (Edward), Liza Hughes Mooney (Hugh), Anna Hughes Nicoletto (Joseph), and Sarah Groce; and eleven great-grandchildren, Cate, Sam, Annie, Patton, Charles, Townsend, Janie, Hunter, Charlie, Judah and Junie, all of whom will forever consider June their guardian angel. June is survived also by five step-grandchildren; Todd Davis, LeAnn Politis, Jack Thomas, Laura Baker, and Donnie Thomas and 10 step-great-grandchildren. June spent her life caring for her family, her church, and her community. She remained throughout her life a constant source of faith and guidance and an anchor to all who knew her. Her great strength and unfailing wisdom will be the legacy she leaves to those who love her so dearly, her family and countless devoted friends. The Groce family is deeply grateful to those at Deerfield Retirement Community who so graciously supported, encouraged, and cared for June during her residency there. A celebration of her resurrection into Eternal Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2013, at St. Giles Chapel, Deerfield, 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC. followed by a reception at River Walk in Haden Hall, at Deerfield. Prior to the service, private family graveside rites will take place at Green Hills Cemetery. June has requested that instead of flowers, contributions be made to her beloved St. George's Episcopal Church, 1 School Road, Asheville, NC, 28801, or to the Employee Appreciation Fund at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC, 28803.