She was the widow of Dr. A. Wayne Groce, a retired bank loan officer and active member of Rock Springs Community Church. Karen was an exceptionally strong woman in her faith and her life. She enjoyed genealogy research for her family, and the puzzles that were to be uncovered by her research. She was just shy of attaining her Masters Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries at Mississippi State University,
focusing on avian nutrition. She was an avid birder and loved seeing the hummingbirds come back to the feeders each spring and watching them fight over the feeders. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Bud Reed.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Beth Groce of Rock Springs; two sisters, Lyn Pelt and husband Jim of Collierville, TN and Sharon Arnold of Pasadena, TX; a brother, Scott Morris of Guy, AR; brother-in-law, Dennis Groce of Goldsboro, NC; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Rock Springs Community Church with Rev. Marty Reep officiating. There will be a visitation preceding the funeral service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Rock Springs Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Johnny Free, Britt Burris, Tyler Spencer, Terry Koone, Don Bostian and Jim Tadel. Serving as honorary pallbearers are members of the Clear Creek Fire Department. Memorials are preferred to Rock Springs Community Church or Clear Creek Fire Department at 835 Rock Springs Road, Wilmar, AR 71675.
Condolences(5)
Donna Mullikin
Star City, AR Monday, August 10, 2026 so very sorry to see this but she was a strong person in her faith so we know where she is a much better place than we are now. ????????????for all the family.Cynthia McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Monday, August 10, 2026 So sorry for the loss of my cousin. She kept us up to date on the McKinstry geneology and I was always interested in hearing her stories of her research. Prayers w/all of you,Kerri
Stay city, AR Saturday, August 8, 2026 What a joy it was to know her and call her my friend. She is now enjoying her eternal home with the one that gave her the joy she shared with us!Sorry for your family’s loss but thankful for her gain!
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, August 6, 2026 I am so sorry to hear about your sweet mother and dad, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God give you peace and comfort. With love & sympathy.Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Sunday, August 2, 2026 Dear family please accept my deepest sympathy at your great loss.