Jacquelyn Ann Groome

Jacquelyn A. Groome, 88, of Bowie, MD, peacefully passed away in her home, surrounded by close family members on February 27, 2022. She was born on November 26, 1933 in Washington, DC, to Jasper E. and Lucille (Jordan) Ennis. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, David W. Groome on November 20, 2021; as well as siblings: Robert Ennis, Mary Jo Menzer, Sharon Teymourian, and twin brothers who died at birth- Christopher Ennis and Clayton Ennis. She is survived by her three children: Jolyn (Ed) Nace of Franklinton, NC, James (Nancy) Laverty of Columbia, MD, and Jennifer Anderson of Bowie, MD; siblings: Maggie (Michael) McManus of Manassas, VA, June Martin of Marshall, VA, and Colleen Stivers of Front Royal, VA; five grandchildren: Robert B. Anderson III of Elmira, NY, Natalie (Hans) Pressley of Wake Forest, NC, Paul W. (Rachel) Anderson of Bowie, MD, Sean (Alyssa) Laverty of Baltimore, MD, Caitlyn (Steve) Foster of Reston, VA; six great-grandchildren: Casey (Travis) Gyure of Jacksonville, AR, Paul W. V. Anderson of Bowie, MD, Kyle Pressley and Bryce Pressley of Wake Forest, NC, Sara Laverty and Maggie Laverty of Baltimore, MD; two “great-great” grandchildren: Rosemary Gyure and Evelyn Gyure of Jacksonville, AR; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jacque was a beautiful woman (who, in her younger years, bore a striking resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor), many times being stopped in public to be asked: “are you Elizabeth Taylor” (and SOME would not take “NO” for an answer). Her children found it humorous growing up, having lots of fun times, and nice memories of the ‘looks’ she would receive. They were also very proud of her many times when she would chaperone at school functions, field trips, and school dances. The other kids could hardly believe that this beautiful woman was our Mom. Jacque even won a look-alike contest held at BWI in the early 1980’s - winning lots of gifts including a trip for two to Hawaii. Jacque was wise beyond her years, giving her children very good advice such as: “always observe how your ‘date’ treats others, because if you marry that person (generally speaking), that’s how you will be treated”. And, “if your friends and acquaintances are talking about others behind their backs, you can bet they are talking about you, behind yours”. She also had a great ‘sense of humor’ - was very quick-witted and could always think of the right thing to say, just at the right time; and at times, with very quick and funny one-liners. Jacque was also very unique (and ‘ahead of her time’); for example, back in the early 1960s, she would wear artificial flowers in her hair, during a time when it was unusual to do so; she would also paint little designs on her fingernails (such as flowers, little stars, etc.) when giving herself a manicure. Jolyn remembers a time when Jacque did so on Jolyn’s fingernails, and at school all the girls and some teachers thought it was ‘really cool’. Nowadays, it is very popular (even fashionable) to do these things. She was a very talented entertainer, with a beautiful singing voice, and danced with a Hawaiian group while living in Japan; as well as being a great seamstress, designing and making all her own clothes, even covering her hi-heels with the same fabric as the dresses she would make. Jacque was a Christian, who loved the Lord very much, and always shared her beliefs with everyone she met. She also loved her family very, very much. Jacque was a very generous person, always giving what she could (when she could), to help others in need, (family, friends or strangers), She loved animals, and when her children were young and still living at home, the house seemed like a ‘menagerie’ (dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, hamsters, turtles, etc.), but we loved it and made excellent memories. Jacque had such unique way with phrases and words which her sisters coined "Jacque-isms" and she loved to "Get You Last"

A “Celebration of Life” for both Jacque and David will be held in Bowie, MD, at the home of their daughter, Jennifer Anderson, on Saturday, June 11, 2022, (a day after what would have been their 61st “Wedding Anniversary”), at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Chesapeake, https://www.hospicechesapeake.org