Belva Kay Grooms

Kay was born on April 17, 1941, in Springfield to Elvin and Verna May Gentry. She was the third of four children, following her older brothers, Elvin “Tinker” Gentry and Glenn “Buddy” Gentry, and preceding her younger sister, Sue Ellen Conklin.

During World War II, Kay lived in Chatham with her mother and siblings while her father served. After the war, the family moved to a farm in Carbondale, where Kay spent several formative years. It was there, in a one-room schoolhouse, that her lifelong love of reading first took root. A bright and curious student, she even skipped a grade. The family later settled in Bloomington, where Kay built lifelong friendships and graduated from high school.

In 1961, Kay married James Klawitter, and together they welcomed two sons, Doug and Todd. In 1965, the family moved to League City, where they formed a close, lifelong bond with their neighbors, Roland and Maryellen Bellard. Their families grew up side by side, creating memories that would be cherished for decades. Later, Kay moved to Tustin. After her marriage to Jim ended, she found love again with Steven Grooms, whom she married in August 1975, embracing her role as a devoted stepmother to Sue and Scott. In 1978, they settled in Missouri City, where Kay became a longtime and beloved resident of Quail Valley.

Kay lived a full and vibrant life, guided by her passions and generosity. She was an avid golfer and proud to have served as president of her women’s golf association. Her love of books led her to co-own and operate a bookstore in the 1980s with her dear friend, Bess Strube—an endeavor that reflected both her entrepreneurial spirit and her lifelong love of reading.

She was deeply committed to her community, generously giving her time and energy to organizations such as Fort Bend Women’s Center, First Tee, ARCS Foundation, and the Houston Assembly of Delphian Chapters. She was also an enthusiastic bridge player and treasured her time with close-knit social groups that celebrated life’s milestones together.

Kay’s love of travel took her to five continents and more than 30 countries. She delighted in sharing those experiences with family and friends. Of all her adventures, she often said her favorite was a trip to New Zealand with Maryellen Bellard and her son Todd—a memory she held especially close to her heart.

Above all, Kay was devoted to her family and friends. She had a remarkable gift for maintaining deep and lasting relationships throughout her life. She especially cherished her visits to her son Doug and his family—her grandchildren Dak and Elie, and great-grandson Bryce—particularly during the holidays, when her joy was most evident.

Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steven E. Grooms; her parents, Elvin O. and Verna May Gentry; and her nephew, Gary Gentry.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Douglas Alan Klawitter of Pensacola; Stephen Todd Klawitter of Missouri City, Texas; stepson Scott Grooms and his wife Jo Lynn of Houston; and stepdaughter Sue Joosten and her husband Kent of Friendswood. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren and their families, her great-grandchildren Bryce, Grayson, and Hunter; her brothers, Elvin “Tinker” Gentry and Glenn “Buddy” Gentry and their wives; her sister, Sue Ellen Conklin and her husband; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at her “home away from home,” Quail Valley Golf Club, located at 2880 La Quinta, on June 27 at 4:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Room.