Bess P. (Tollett) Groce

Bess P. Tollett Groce of Baird passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at the age of 80.  Visitation is 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home, 141 E 3rd in Baird. Funeral Services will follow visitation at 1:00 PM in the Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home Chapel, followed by burial at Ross Cemetery Spencer Price Addition.  Those attending are reminded of social distancing guidelines. Face coverings are required.

Bess was born December 12, 1939 in Baird to Eunice and Walter Tollett.  She graduated from Baird High School in 1958.  She married Don Groce, and was a career homemaker and mother to their two children, Brian and Kim, and a Second Mom to many people in the community of Baird. There wasn't a day that went by when her kids were in school that her Home wasn't full of people enjoying her kindness , hospitality , love and Great food. Raising two children while her husband was in the military and serving multiple tours overseas was a walk in the park for her. No problem .  She continued to focus on her family and children of not only her own but those of the community of Baird.  Bess was always the first one there with a dish of food and support for any family that needed it.

Bess lived in Alaska when her son Brian was born , El Paso when her daughter Kim was born, and in California and Florida, but she always came back to Baird, the town of her family. She took care of her Mother Eunice in her last years. She always put others first, her whole life, not just her family but many in the community of Baird who have suffered a Great loss.

"Dynamite comes in small packages" was written beside her 1958 Baird High Yearbook photo. That statement was true of her to till the very end. Heaven is much livelier today, and they are all for sure eating much better. Kim was not only her daughter but her best friend and caregiver for her whole life. Thanks to Kim for being there for her. You did a great job .  Brian,  Kim and your granddaughters Brynnah and Guinevere will miss you and love you forever . Godspeed Mom,  Nana. Your Sisters Lora , Judy and Clara and Brother in Law Billy Joe Brashear will miss you as well. Multiple Nieces and Nephews can never replace their Aunt Bess.

She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Eunice Tollett; a brother Jackie Tollett; sisters Bobby Jean Christison, Shirley Brashear and Julia Margarete  Tollett; and Husband Don Groce, respectively.

Bess is survived by her daughter Kim Groce of Baird, son Brian Groce of Dallas;  granddaughters Brynnah Groce and Guinevere Groce of Dallas; sisters Lora Tollett of Baird and Judy Harris of Baird and Clara Buchanan of Pearland; brothers-in-law Billy Joe Brashear , Harvey Christison and Farrell Buchanan; sisters-in-law Barbara Tollett and Cindy Wells Cunningham; nephews Kevin Curtis, Jimmy Curtis, Brad Harris, Mark Brashear , Craig Brashear, Randall Buchanan, Ronald Buchanan, Joe Tollett , Walt Tollett, Mike Tollett,  Micah Wells, Jake Wells and Taylor Wells;  nieces Teresa Brashear, Kelly Tollett, Christy Christison Hay, Lea Ann Christison, Karen Hood, and Glenda Buchanan Westmorland.

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