Dr. Janice Wheeler Groseclose

She was born on August 7, 1949, in Salisbury, N.C., and moved to Chattanooga in 1959 when her father transferred with Southern Railway.

She graduated from Red Bank High in 1967 and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1976. She then received her master’s and doctorate in psychology from the University of Alabama.  

Janice was a licensed psychologist and served as the executive director of Engstrom Services, Inc. until retirement. She always took pride in working hard and doing a good job.

She married the Rev. Henry Groseclose in 1986, and together they served for years in the eastern part of Tennessee in the Holston Conference at several area United Methodist churches. Their service included St. Paul’s UMC in in Etowah, and Wauhatchie UMC and Harrison UMC in Chattanooga before his retirement in 1995. They also served Fairview UMC on Big Ridge in retirement.

Janice loved to travel and spend time with her friends and family.  

She was also known for being full of life and enjoyed being involved with numerous groups. She always had a full schedule of activities and groups and people she enjoyed being with in her retirement. Those activities included being a member of First-Centenary United Methodist Church, the Civitan Club, the Chattanooga Quilters Guild and the North Chattanooga Book Club. She also enjoyed volunteering and making quilts for friends and family.

She is preceded in death by Henry, her loving husband of 27 years. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Doris Johnson Wheeler; brother, Michael “Mike” Wheeler, father, S.M. “Sam” Wheeler and wife; and stepson, Stuart Groseclose.

She is survived by sister-in-law, Anne Wheeler; nephew, Mike (Amy) Wheeler; nieces, Lori Bailey, Amy (William) Travis and Becca Pool (Jerry) Shook; stepdaughters, Susan (Dennis Reid) Groseclose and Louise (Vince) Vannoorbeeck; grandsons, Philip (Samantha) Vannoorbeeck and Mark (Ashley) Vannoorbeeck; three great-grandchildren; seven great-nieces and nephews and 13 great-great nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held at First-Centenary United Methodist Church on Monday, May 11, 2026 with the Rev. Mark Gooden officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the church, prior to the service.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First-Centenary United Methodist Church, link is down below, or your favorite charity.  

The family would like to thank Siskin Rehabilitation, Gentiva Hospice, and Amada Senior Care for their superior compassion and care.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.