Lula Belle Groves

The matriarch of the family, Lula Belle Groves was surrounded by her legacy when she peacefully transitioned to heaven on December 6, 2019. Lula Groves lived a full life to the age of 91 and resided in South Bend, Indiana for over 60 years. Lula was born to the union of Alford and Ada (Pitts) Jones on April 13, 1928 in Greensboro, Alabama. Preceding Lula Groves are her parents, Alford and Ada (Pitts) Jones; and a sister, Ruby Lee Ward, whom she held dearly to her heart.

Lula Groves earned her high school diploma from Gale County Training School located in Greensboro, Alabama in 1948. She relocated to Detroit, Michigan before making South Bend her final home. Lula Groves married the love of her life, Robert Lee Groves, on July 2, 1956 in South Bend, Indiana. They were married for 38 years until he transitioned to be with the Lord in 1994.    

Lula Groves accepted Christ at Salem Baptist Church in Greensboro, Alabama in 1943 under the leadership of Rev. King. She joined Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church where she currently was a devoted member, God’s servant, and one of the mothers of the church. She was affectionately called "Mother Groves" by members of Mt.Olive, Aunt Lula B. or "B" by family members and friends. 

Mother Groves worked at Dick’s Packing and later at Notre Dame’s Morris Inn as a housekeeper until she retired. Mother Groves was a part of the Local Quartet as a founding member of the Harmonettes. She was passionate about making home cooked meals, going to church, playing Bingo, frequenting the boat, crossword puzzles, dancing, being sharply dressed, and always having the “final say.” She retained family traditions, stressed the importance of family, and helped raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family traditions included putting flowers on family member's graves on Memorial Day, holiday meals, and making sure family members accepted Christ. Mother Groves kept a tidy home and made sure her bed was made every morning. She never met a stranger and poured into every soul she met.   

Mother Groves is survived by her daughters: Duel Groves-Shell (Hank) of South Bend, Indiana and Geraldine Watson of Mishawaka, Indiana; grandchildren: Tiffany Watson, Andre Watson (Tanisha), Lavell Groves, and Katrena Greer (Kelvin); great-grandchildren: Amanda, Mary, Jada, Whitney, Promise, Adrianna, Kelvin Jr., and Kensington; a special cousin, Carolyn DeArmond; a special friend, Fannie Mae Walker; and a host of relatives and friends who will dearly miss her.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 E. Miner Street, South Bend, Indiana 46617, in honor of Lula Belle Groves.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lula Belle Groves, please visit our floral store.