C. Rita Groseclose

Clara Rita Groseclose, age 88, the second child born on June 5, 1921, to M. Clyde Groseclose, Sr., and Gladys Roller Groseclose both deceased, died from fatal car wreck injuries suffered in Johnson City, TN, on the afternoon of February 16, 2010, when the other driver crossed the center line and struck her vehicle head-on to her driver's side, although Rita, from the physical evidence, tried her best to escape the on-coming vehicle. Her family's and friends' loss was her eternal gain in the arms of the Heavenly Father, justified by God's great grace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church.

Rita gave fully of herself to her nation, her family and friends, her state, city and county, her church family and her community. After earning a B.S. degree in Education from East Tennessee State College University in Johnson City, Rita earned a Masters degree in Education from Columbia University in New York City, New York. Later in her professional career and in her late forties, she earned a second Masters degree in Library Science from Peabody College in Nashville, TN.

Rita worked for the government's World War II effort at the secret city of Oak Ridge, then worked as an instructor at Tusculum College, Greeneville, TN, then as a long-time coach and teacher and later librarian at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport City Schools. After retirement as librarian, Rita served two terms as a Commissioner for Sullivan County from Kingsport. In addition, she served for many years as a member of the State of Tennessee Historical Commission.

Rita had been very active in the Farm Bureau of Sullivan County since 1975. In 1975, after her father's death, Rita added to her activities, becoming a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program, and remained active until her death. In addition, she was active in the Retired Teachers' Association, the NEA, the TEA, the American Association of University Women, and the National Pen Writers' Association. Rita was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Rita was a member of the D.A.R., was a past president of the Sullivan County Historical Society, was a past president of the Netherland Inn Association, and was an avid volunteer at the Inn; and she was a member of the East Tennessee Historical Society, all of which demonstrated her lifelong love of history. As well, Rita served as a presenter at various conferences and meetings. Rita authored several articles for historical publications.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Sue Groseclose, by several cousins, aunts and uncles, and many wonderful friends and colleagues whom Rita considered part of her extended family.

She is survived by her brother, M. Clyde Groseclose, Jr., and wife Rita B. Groseclose, of Kingsport; her sister, Ruth Groseclose Land, of Murfreesboro, TN; her nephews, Murry Clyde Groseclose, III, and Robert W. Groseclose, both of Kingsport; her nieces, Rita June Groseclose Stanley and husband, Dennis, and Catherine L. Groseclose, all of Plano, TX, Sarah Land White and husband David, of Murfreesboro; grand-nieces Lauren C. Stanley of Washington, D.C., Morgan D. Stanley, of Houston, TX, Kirsten E. Stanley, of Plano, TX, and Maria E. White, of Murfreesboro; grand-nephew, Martin L. White, of Murfreesboro; and several cousins and friends.

Calling hours are from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, at the Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home Chapel in Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Fred Niles, Rita's pastor at Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church, officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Sunday, February 21, at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park.