Bessie Jewell Byrd Groce, 93, Huntersville Rd., Albany, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 at her residence. She was the wife of the late Walter S. Groce and a charter member of Gospel Baptist Church.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda Groce Craig, Albany; Linnie (Dale) Claywell, Louisville, KY; five sons and daughters-in-law, Hugh (Barbara) Groce; Ralph (Polly) Groce; Danny (Joan) Groce, all of Albany; Cecil (Edna) Groce, Knoxville, TN; Larry (Joyce) Groce, FL; two sisters, Bonza Witt, Albany; Brenda Denney, New Castle, IN; also 10 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Talbott Funeral Home with Bro. Wayne Nelson, Bro. Sam Booher and Bro. Jimmy Byrd officiating. Final resting place in Peolia Cemetery. Arrangements made through Talbott Funeral Home of Albany.