COLUMBUS, NC -- Mary Helen Davis Groendyke, 85, of Tryon Estates, Columbus, died December 3, 2007.She was a native of Arkansas and a daughter of the late Thomas Lesille Davis and Blanche Byrom Davis. A resident of Tryon Estates 2 ½ years she lived in High Vista and Hendersonville 19 prior years. Following marriage in June 1944, and WW II, she resided with her husband and children in High Bridge, N.J. and Clinton, N.J.A graduate of Arkansas State University with degrees in History and Music, she became a teacher in High Bridge and Clinton Twp. schools. Retiring after 30+ years she became a passionate genealogist, tracing her Davis family to 1790 and Groendyke's to 1645.An avid soloist and choir member, she loved traveling to foreign countries, documenting them with photos and tales for her students.She served on the Rolling Hills Girl Scout Council as well as the Grandin Library Board of Directors.Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Sanford Groendyke; daughter Sandra Kay Pott and husband Joel of Rochester Hills, MI; son, John Thomas Groendyke and wife Rita of Glen Gardner, N.J.; grandchildren Emily, Jessica, and Eric; great grandchildren Rhys and Katherine.Funeral service will be held at Martin Funeral Home, Clinton, NJ on Saturday December 8th, with burial following at Reformed Church cemetery Lebanon, NJA celebration of her life is planned for early January at Tryon Estates, Columbus, NC.Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722.
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