Geneva Yvonne Grooms, 98, of Drakesville, died December 6, 2024 at her home.
She was born November 26, 1926 in Christiansburg to Harry and Opal Bonney Sammons. She married Warren L. Grooms September 10, 1943 and he preceded her in death July 8, 2011.
A 1944 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Geneva received a war emergency certification to begin teaching country school at the age of 17.
She had been a member of Wildwood Evangelical Free Church and later Calvary Baptist Church. Geneva taught Sunday School and was a youth leader for over 50 years. She joined Gideons International Auxiliary in 1968 and always held an office.
Geneva loved children and loved to have them around her.
Surviving are her five sons, Larry Grooms of Ottumwa, Gary (Rachel) Grooms of Drakesville, Les (Nancy) Grooms of Shelbyville, MO, Greg Grooms of Pleasant Hill and Nick (Cindy) Grooms of Drakesville; 14 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and 6 great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two granddaughters, Nicole Ann Jones and Karen Sue Grooms; two daughters-in-law, Cheryl Grooms and Margaret Grooms; brothers, Veryl Sammons, Bob Sammons, Harry “Butch” Sammons and Gerald “Jake” Sammons; and a sister, Donna Sammons.
Visitation will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, December 9th at Reece Funeral Home. Her family will be present to greet friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 10th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Burial will be in Chisman Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International.
