Obituary For Ellen Eskridge Groseclose April 11, 1927 - October 23, 2019 Ellen Edmundson Eskridge Groseclose, 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at UNC Rockingham Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, her residence since March 2011. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend --- Ellen regarded herself as a Christian sojourner, seeking “. . . . .to walk and to please God, ” eternally grateful for His loving-kindness and mercy. The youngest child of Allen Taylor Eskridge and Nancy “Nannie” Nichol Eskridge, Ellen was born on April 11, 1927, in Pulaski, Virginia, where she was reared and educated. A 1948 graduate of Mary Baldwin College, she majored in English and pursued a teaching career in Farmville, Virginia. She married William Preston Groseclose on December 23, 1949, at First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski, followed by a honeymoon in the Pocono Mountains. They began their married life in Richmond where she continued teaching, most notably at Tuckahoe Elementary School. In 1957, Ellen and Bill relocated to Charlotte, treasuring their five years in “the Queen City.” Thrilled with their home in Myers Park, Ellen felt fortunate to rear their two young daughters there where lifelong friendships were forged. An opportunity arrived in 1962, when Bill accepted a newly -created position with Fieldcrest, Inc., in Eden, North Carolina (then known as the Tri-Cities of Leaksville, Spray, and Draper). Initially dismayed at the prospect of leaving Charlotte, she soon discovered that her new life would be fulfilling in a small town. She returned to the classroom in 1970, first as a substitute teacher at Morehead Senior High School and then as a 7th grade Language Arts / Social Studies teacher at Holmes Junior High School. Her five-year tenure there abruptly ended by family obligations, necessitating frequent trips to Pulaski. Of course, Bill chauffeured her whenever possible. In fact, during their long marriage, their roadtrips became legendary. Bill always kept the car fueled and maintained, ready for any excursion. They both studied so many maps that it became a family joke that they considered themselves professional “motorists.” While Ellen enjoyed being home, she also revelled in travelling and planning the next adventure. Whether studying in North Africa or strolling the Carolina beaches, she made sure to experience the “local flavor” of the place. Her travel journals were amazingly detailed, capturing her fascination with history and all people. Fine dining was a prerequisite at any destination, and she appreciated Bill’s acquiescence to all her choices (especially since he was content with a tomato sandwich for lunch and a hotdog for supper). Actually, her love of travel began as a young girl boarding the train to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, for extensive visits with her Nichol relatives. Throughout her long life, Ellen delighted in language and literature. Always an avid reader, she shared her favorite books with family and friends who marveled at her wide-ranging library, reflecting her catholic tastes from theology to history---- flower-arranging to cooking---- mysteries to biographies----genealogy to politics. A charming conversationalist, she innately understood that a genuine interest in others and their opinions made for meaningful chats. A talented hostess, she entertained frequently with Bill’s assistance. (She often would say, “Bill never allows his tee times to interfere with my tea times.”) Whether preparing for bridge club or a family Thanksgiving feast, Bill and Ellen made an extraordinary team. Her capacity for friendship reflected her loyalty and gratitude for the special individuals in her life. Truly, she cherished her many friends and maintained those bonds despite distance and years. Always balancing a full calendar, Ellen’s daily routine began and ended with her devotional time. She prayed fervently and studied the Holy Scriptures intensely, deriving both comfort and strength from her faith. Whether watching a Billy Graham crusade on television or praying at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Ellen sought a reverential , yet personal, manner of worshipping --- meaningful and refreshing. During her active years, Ellen contributed her time and talents to the Leaksville United Methodist Church, the Yokefellow Prison Ministry, Cooperative Christian Ministries, and the Salvation Army. She participated in several bridge clubs, garden clubs, and prayer groups. Even as her health declined, she volunteered at the Eden Historical Museum and followed political / cultural events on C-SPAN. Always the etiquette maven, she wrote her thank-you notes, despite her “final-chapter” challenges. Never could she tolerate any excuse for bad manners. In addition to her parents, Ellen is predeceased by her devoted husband of nearly 69 years, William Preston Groseclose; her infant son, William Preston Groseclose , Jr.; her siblings: Nancy Nichol Eskridge, Allen Taylor Eskridge, Jr., Mary Currin Eskridge Combiths, William Nichol Eskridge; brother-in-law Alan Dyer Groseclose; nephew Truman Bullard Combiths; and Alma Saunders, whose affectionate love for her “Lil’ Ell” was unconditional always, especially during childhood. Survivors include three daughters and their families: Martha Groseclose Kolling and husband Chuck; Sarah “Sally” Groseclose Gordon and husband Norman; Ann Groseclose Campbell and husband Doug; four grandchildren: William Preston Gordon, Ellen Jamieson Gordon, Stuart Preston Campbell, and Caroline Eskridge Campbell; sister-in-law Betsy Wrenn Groseclose; and many precious nephews and nieces. Esteemed as family include Sophia Watson, Ruth Martin, and the staff of UNC Rockingham Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, whose compassionate care is immeasurable. The family extends special gratitude to Dr. Terry Daniel and Hospice of Rockingham County.
A funeral service will be conducted at Fair Funeral Home Chapel on November 2 at 2 o’clock with a reception following at Morehead-Fair House. A committal service for Ellen and Bill will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Pulaski, Virginia, at a later date. For those inclined to honor Ellen’s legacy, please consider the following: *Eden Historical Museum, c/o Jean Harrington, 650 Washington St., Eden, NC 27288 *Leaksville United Methodist Church, 603 Henry Street, Eden, NC 27288
“One ought --- every day --- at least --- to hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture --- in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ---Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Online condolences may be sent to Fair Funeral Home at www.fairfuneralhome.com.
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