Gladys A. Grooms

Gladys A. Grooms, 83, of Mt. Pleasant, died peacefully at her home on Friday, October 18, 2013. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013. Friends and family will gather at 1 o’clock PM and the service will commence at 2 o’clock PM at James A. Dyal Funeral Home Chapel in Summerville, South Carolina. Flowers may be given or donations made in her memory to your church or favorite charity. Gladys was born on January 17, 1930 in Charleston, SC to the late Perry Albert Antley and Ethel Armstrong Antley. She was always industrious in both her school and her work and held a job from the time that she was 13 years old. She graduated from Chicora High School and received her bachelor’s degree in English and History from the College of Charleston. She married the love of her life, George Robert (Bob) Grooms in 1950 and they enjoyed 31 years together. In the early 50s, she enjoyed her job with the welfare department, especially traveling and meeting the people of her Edisto territory. Teaching became a passion as she began her career at the Hebrew Institute and then moved to Citadel Square Christian School where she spent almost 20 years as both a teacher and later, principal. After Citadel Square School closed, Gladys taught and was principal of First Baptist Church School in Mt. Pleasant for several years. She loved her students, and her enthusiasm for learning and life endeared her to them. After “retiring” from education, she embarked on a new 23 year career as a tour escort for Top of the Line Tours. She fulfilled her dream of traveling by visiting all 50 states and numerous foreign countries with bus driver and company owner, Jim Allen, who became her dear friend. She made many friends and acquaintances during her travels, and her family is very thankful for the love and support these friends have shown during the last months of her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Robert (Bob) Grooms, sweet young son George Robert Grooms, Jr. and precious great-grandson Levi Joseph Martin. She is survived by two daughters, Karen Grooms Ruddle (Mike) of Irmo, SC and Robin Grooms Lane (Mark) of Ravenel, SC and one son, Stephen Grooms (Judy) of Charleston, SC. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren: Kristi Ruddle Scheerer (Eric), Laurie Ruddle Lucas, Julie Ruddle Reich (Matt), Melody Lane, Summer Lane Martin (Joseph), Joshua, Kelly, Steven, David, Matthew, Micah, Peter and Andrew Lane. Nine great-grandchildren round out the clan: Declan, Caitlin, Brandon, and Lauren Scheerer, Justin, Ashley and Blake Lucas, and Dylan and Kyle Reich. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the nurses, chaplain and other staff of Amedisys Hospice of Charleston who helped us so compassionately to care for our mom during these last 7 months. You are wonderful, and we pray for our amazing God’s blessings to be given to each of you in abundance! A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting are website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040.

Gladys A. Grooms

January 17, 1930 - October 18, 2013