Obituary message

Doris Jean Groce Proctor was born January 16, 1943 to S.T. Groce and Beulah Augusta Rutledge Groce in Acmar, AL. She was raised by Julia Rutledge Ball (Big Ma) in Detroit, Michigan and resided there until spending time in Lexington, Kentucky and finally Richmond, Virginia where she passed away on August 8, 2017 at the age of 74.

Doris had an unwavering love for children which led her to obtain her Bachelors and work towards her Masters of Education from the University of Detroit Mercy. She retired from the Highland Park School System after many years of service.

She was married to John Proctor of Detroit, Michigan and has two surviving children who loved her dearly. Her son Terence Proctor of Missouri (Pamela Lloyd Proctor) and daughter Vicki Denise Johnson (Michael Johnson). She has six grandchildren Mikhail Proctor, Vashti Proctor, Monet Proctor, Venecia Proctor, Michael Johnson Jr. and Matthew Johnson.

She is proceeded in death by her sisters: Mary Groce Phillips, Alder Mae Saunders (Uncle Perry), and brothers: Leon Pointer, Joe Sebron Groce, Nim Jerry Groce, David Groce & Brother-N- Law Sonny Phillips. Doris is also proceeded in death by her nieces & nephews: Tina Groce, Michelle Phillips, Andrew Jackson, Ronnie Groce, Michael Littlejohn & Byron Wallace.

She leaves her loving memories to remaining siblings and their children: Essie Vera Groce “Sister” of Alabama- Bobby Groce, Paulette Smoot, Lois Groce, Larry Groce , Julia Jewell White of Alabama – Rickey Groce ( Juanita), Sheila Santiago, Robin Walls (Quentin) , Johnnie Etta Jackson (Leonard) of Alabama – Teresa Collins (Harvey), Wanda J. Turner, Paul Jackson (Alicia), Sheila Bias( Isaac) & Mary Nell “Mug” Jackson . Carolyn Ruth Lovan of Michigan, and her children Cherie “Missy” Johnson, David Lovan & DeShawn “Shawn” Lovan. Atiyah Salahuddin of Ohio – Aisha Salahuddin & Kevin Jones (Maria). Mary Phillips – Linda Collins, Eric Groce, Sonya Howard, Druce Phillips. Uncle Joe- Sebron Groce, Shilah D. Groce, Diane Groce, Sabrina Wallace, Sandra Wallace, Chris Barnes, Sheila Martin, Joseph Groce.

Doris was a member of the Ford Avenue Church of Christ, which became the Linwood Church of Christ. She has lived in Detroit, Michigan, Lexington, Kentucky and Richmond Virginia. She loved crafts, sewing, gardening and animals. She lived with her daughter Vicki Johnson during her last years, and was taken care of by John Proctor.

The family will receive friends from Noon to 2 pm Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294 with a service to follow at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private.

You Toiled So Hard

You toiled so hard for those you loved. You said goodbye to none.
Your spirit flew before we knew, your work on earth was done.
We miss you now, Our hearts are sore.
As time goes by, we miss you more.
Your loving smile, Your gentle face:
No one can fill your vacant place.
Your life was love and labor, Your love for your family true.
You did the best for all of us. We will always remember you.