Marie Horn Grove

Celebration of Life services for Mrs. Marie Cecelia Horn Grove, 82, will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 21, 2018, at Pine Crest Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Pine Crest Cemetery, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, Alabama.

The family will be accepting guests in honoring the precious life of Mrs. Marie Horn Grove at Pine Crest Funeral Home from 9:00 A.M. until time of service at 10:00 A.M.

Mrs. Marie Horn Grove was born May 17, 1936, in Clay County, Alabama to the late Matthew A. and Gladys R. Duff Horn and left this Heavenly home surrounded by her loving family September, 16, 2018, in Mobile, Alabama. She has been a resident of Alabama from the young age of three. Marie’s parents were deaf, unknown at the time; she would go on to do great things for the deaf community. She attended public schools in Mobile, graduating from Vigor High School. Marie gained higher education from University of Alabama for 2 ½ years and 20th Century Business College. She married Gavin Grove and loved as her own his two children. Marie helped provide for her family working as a legal secretary for Joseph Matranga, of the law firm Matranga, Hess, Sullivan, Stout and State Senator Pierre Pelham.

Since her early years, she has devoted much of her time and effort on behalf of the deaf. She was a frequent advisor of the deaf in matters concerning their problems in our hearing society. Marie has a comprehensive skills certificate which qualifies her as an interpreter in any situation allowing her to carry the title of Certified Professional Interpreter. She interprets for weddings, funerals, church services, doctors, hospitals and for court appearances for the deaf, as well as acting as official interpreter for law enforcement officials and various courts. Marie has served as official interpreter since 1954 for the State Conventions of Alabama Association of the Deaf and has served as guest interpreter for the Mississippi and Florida Association Conventions. She had the opportunity of interpreting a speech for Dr. Werner Von Braun. Marie has interpreted television news for the benefit of the deaf for approximately eighteen months (on her lunch hour). Marie always admired and never charged for her services to the deaf community.

She enjoyed being involved within her community participating in many organizations: St. Marks Episcopal Church for Deaf; of which she is a Canoness, National Registry of Interpreters established at Ball State University – 1964; as a Charter Member, Alabama Registry of Interpreters; as a member of the Executive Board, Mobile Legal Secretaries Association, National Legal Secretaries Association, VFW Post 49 Auxiliary and Mystic Society.

Marie was awarded an honorary member of Alabama Association of the Deaf – 1958. Since 1912 they have had only five honorary members, of which she was one. She was also an honorary member of Mobile Chapter of the Alabama Association of the Deaf. Marie received “Appreciation for Outstanding Service to the Deaf” awards from Mobile Chapter and Montgomery Chapter of Alabama Association of the Deaf – 1965. She received “Outstanding Service” award from Alabama Association of the Deaf – 1969.

Marie is survived by one sister; Virginia Horn Swinson, two step-sons: Gavin Grove and wife Georgia, Gary Grove and wife Chris, three nephews: Dennis Harnish and wife Jeanie, Joseph, David Harnish and wife Cynthia, two nieces: Pamela Harnish Hicks and husband William, Melodi Harnish Turner and husband Robert, longtime companion: Leonard Boltz, his five children: Thomas J. Boltz, Teresa Dorriety and husband Joey, Leonard Boltz Jr. and wife Felicia, Rita Ponder and husband David, Mark Boltz and wife Hannah extended family members and numerous wonderful friends.

The family would like to share a beautiful perspective of Marie Horn Grove through the eyes of M. O. Beale. This was written in notoriety for Marie Friday, November 30, 1973. Marie will be remembered by anyone who knew her as the picture you read below. What an amazing tribute.

Dear Mrs. Grove,

As the daughter of deaf parents, you learned early in life the use of sign language even though your own hearing and speech were normal. This talent of eloquent speech with your hands coupled with normal hearing and speech proves in valuable in bringing about a greater understanding between those with normal speech and hearing and deaf mutes. This gift has not been wasted with you. For many years you have selflessly given of your time and talents to serve as interpreter at weddings, at legal proceedings and elsewhere. This service to the community included an 18-month period in which you took much of your lunchtime break from your legal secretary work to interpret television news for deaf viewers. You have taught at the Talladega School for the deaf and hold a certificate as a Certified Professional Interpreter but never charge for your services. Your unselfish dedication in this area has won for you the admiration of this entire community and in further recognition I herby award you the M. O. Beale Scroll of Merit.

Sincerely Yours,

M. O. Beale