Mary Jane Groover

Mary Jane Crews Groover, 76, passed away at home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Originally from Folkston, she had resided in Waycross for the last 13 years. Born the third daughter to Solomon “Pete” and Mary Ann Crews on March 27, 1948, she was affectionately given the nickname “Bill” by her daddy and was better known by that name for the remainder of her life.

Bill was a voracious reader and made sure to pass her love of reading to her children. She enjoyed growing flowers, listening to classic country music, shopping at Goodwill, going to yard sales, chocolate sundaes from Dairy Queen, coffee at any time of the day, western movies, feeding the squirrels dry-roasted peanuts out of the back door, watching Forensic Files, and she could watch the movie Secondhand Lions on a loop, and everyone knows she was the biggest Elvis fan ever. She also liked to dance and was always the life of the party. More than anything, though, Bill loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the absolute joys of her life. She made sure to keep her candy jar full of chocolate for the great-grandbabies, even though their mama said they didn’t need it. Bill showed her love by giving; it made her happy to make others happy.

In addition to her parents, Bill was preceded in death by her husband: Larry Dale Groover; her great-grandson: Clayton Carter; her sister: Freida Crews Dean; and her brother: Jerry Crews. 

Left to deeply mourn her passing are her children: Jim Drury (Valerie), Mary Drury, and Tracy (Mitchell) Lloyd; her grandchildren: Nikki (Nathan) Brantley, Jake (Megan) Carter, Leanna (Eddie) Bedgood, Bill Musgrove, Katie (Miranda) Chamberlain, Deanna (Chris) Lloyd, Madison Lloyd, Sarah Portch, Emily Lloyd, and Baylee Lloyd; 16 great-grandchildren; her sisters: Ouida (Dickie) Johnson and Ann (Skeeter) Smith; her brothers: Rickey Crews, Joe (Viola) Crews, and Toby Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She also leaves behind her cherished and constant companion of the last 15 years, her Mini Shih Tzu Miss Priss, whom she considered her fourth child; and a dear friend: Gail Petty.

The family would like to sincerely thank all of the Hearth Hospice employees for the amazing care shown to our loved one these past 7 months, especially Liz, Jackie, Casey, and Pastor Steve. They showed so much compassion and love and we could not have done this without them.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and funeral services will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 4:00 pm in the chapel at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Dees officiating. Burial will follow in Homeland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jake Carter, Bill Musgrove, Blaine Brantley, Bryant Brantley, Nathan Brantley, Chris McDonald, Chandler Nickell, and Willy Brantley.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, GA 31537.