She married Robert “Bob” Groves on June 20, 1970, after which they were assigned to Zaragoza Air Force Base in Zaragoza, Spain, where Bob was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force and Brenda worked as a GS9 Civil Service employee on base. They spent the next five years traveling Europe when not tied down with work, seeing more of the world than most could ever hope to imagine. Travel and life experiences were always her first love and was a gift she passed down to all who knew her.
Brenda was also a fierce lover of those who had less than her family, whether they were human or fur-covered. She always made sure that those that needed a plate at holidays had a place at her table, and if they didn’t have a place to go at Christmas, she would welcome them with open arms, the loud laughter of her family and a gift that she made sure was wrapped and labeled just for them. Brenda was also well known for her generosity towards animals… she couldn’t surround herself with any less than at least two cats and a dog.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert Groves and three sons, Richard Groves (Courtney) of Lexington, Ky., Stephen Groves (Alena) of Starkville, Miss. and Brian Groves of Starkville, Miss. along with four grandchildren: Morgan, Arya, Jazmin and Justice. She is also survived by her sister Debra Lipe (Metts) of Starkville, Miss., and her children David, Kathy and Kim.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17, at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, Miss. from 6 pm to 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that she is honored with donations to the Oktibbeha County Humane Society.
