Irene Groves

Our beloved Mom, Irene R. Groves, gained her wings early Saturday, morning April 4, 2026, surrounded by her children at home. She was the beloved wife of David J. Groves for 64 years
prior to his death in 2022. She was to very proud Mother of 3, Deborah (Clarence), Deidre and David II (Linda Kay) all of Allentown. Grandchildren 2 David III, Angelica (Jonathan)Padilla, 5
Great Grands, D 4, Chad & Sadie Fluck and her Little People Olivia and Julian Padilla. 3 deceased Grandsons, Adrain, Clarence II and Brandon Watson.
Our Mom was born in Allentown to the late Sylvester and Rachel Rone, 1 brother Sylvester (Bobby) (D), Sherrel of Alexandria, VA, Brenda Law (D) Cousins whom she cherished Claude
Rone (Denise) Allentown, Carl and Richard (JoAnn) Rone both of Philadelphia, PA with a host of nieces and nephews whom she cherished dearly. Mommy had a very close friendships with Carolyn Dingle, Emma Brooks, Regina Boyer and Jane Cordero. Mommy always spoke very highly of these ladies. Mommy was the class of 1955 from the then Allentown High School that is now Wm Allen High School. She worked at General Electric until 1984, the Office of the Grand Daughter Ruler Jean C.W. Smit, as her personal secretary in Philadelphia, The Bon Ton as a fitter in intimates apparel with 33 yrs of service until the store closed. Mommy then worked for the Allentown School District at Dieruff HS as a Paraprofessional in Life Skills until her illness stopped her.

A dedicated active member of Lehigh Temple No. 930 of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order ELKS of the World, Inc.,were she held various seats including Daughter Ruler, Shining
Light Council #2, Fin. Sec., Dgts of the PA State Association as the Auditor and Grand Temple Photographer which she truly loved. But the title she held close to her heart was being chosen as a Deaconess at her Church St. James AME Zion Church were she married her beloved David our Father and raised all 3 of us and we did not have a choice if we wanted to go, we were told and best believe we went. We could on and on about Mommy’s dash of life. She faced up’s and down’s and her strength came from her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday April 15, 2026 at 11:30AM in St. James A.M.E. Zion church 410 Union St. Allentown, PA.  A viewing will be held in the church from 10AM-11:30AM with service from the Elks at 10AM.  Interment will follow services in Grandview Cemetery-Allentown.

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