Classey Mae Groce

Classey Mae Groce, age 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, in Bowie, MD.

Classey was born on January 30, 1945, one of 10 children born to Paul and Nell Groce in Anniston, Alabama. She was a graduate of McKinley Senior High School and went on to have a 30 plus year career in Canton as a Public Housing Manager at Victory Economics Development and Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Classey was well known throughout Stark County Ohio for her fair housing practices and helping many residents with their important housing needs. She used her considerable knowledge and expertise in local state and Federal Government housing policies and program access to help “house” thousands of residents in the local Stark County area. 

The name “Classey” was fitting for her as she embodied a “Classey” style and flare for life in so many ways that were uniquely her. Classey was a premier “Fashionista” and “Trending” long before social media was a “thing”. She was elegant, well spoken, and sought after in the Canton community for her flare and style for all the important social and community engagement events. 

Very special to Classey was her long-time commitment to the Martin Luther King (MLK) Commission. She was a founding member of the MLK Commission and instrumental contributor and leader in planning the annual MLK Breakfast every January. Her vast work in Canton with the public housing community and the MLK Commission did not overshadow her commitment to serving her church community at Mt. Calvary 2nd Missionary Baptist Church. Classey was a member at Mt. Calvary for over 50 years and served as the Church Secretary/Clerk under the initial fellowship of Reverend Cecil Lightbourn and finally under Dr. Eric C. Johnson.

Classey was the proud mother to her only daughter Jeri Groce (Annapolis, MD) whom she lived with and cherished her caregiver role for her mom until her last breath on Christmas night December 2024. Her “Mothering” skills did not only extend to her birth daughter, but she was a mother figure and loving aunt to many of her nieces in their formative years. A special mention to her niece Angie Lee Dixon, who partnered with Jeri to care for her in Maryland over the last five years. Classey also had a special relationship with her long-time friend, Ernestine Reed, who was like a daughter. 

Although Classey spent most of her life in Ohio, she was surrounded over the last five years in Maryland by a dedicated Groce/Dixon/Rogers family and dedicated caregivers who grew to love her and are impacted by her loss. 

Classey was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings – Rev Leroy Groce (Canton, OH), Lillian Smith (Fayetteville, NC), Pauline Edwards (Canton, OH), Ella Mae Shoulders (Chattanooga, TN), Myrtle Lee Dixon (Canton, OH), and Ronald Groce (Canton, OH). 

Classey is survived by three brothers all of Canton, OH – Paul Groce, Jr, Charles (Gloria) Groce, and Donald (Johnnie) Groce, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who cared for her over the years.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Classey touched are invited to celebrate her life at her homegoing service on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Mt. Calvary 2nd Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00.

Repast at Special Occasions at 220 Dueber Avenue SW, Canton, Ohio 44706 will follow the interment at Alliance City Cemetery.