Donna Carole Groome

Donna Carole Groome, 84, was born June 29, 1941, and passed away May 15, 2026. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Donna grew up there, and her life was marked by both meaningful and challenging seasons of change; overcoming a year-long severe bout of tuberculosis just 1 year after the birth of her first child and later, moving to West Virginia in 1969, now with two children. Later, she would move twice more; first in the early 80’s, returning to Baltimore, and then making her final move to Nashville in 2002. She was a beloved and cherished presence to many, and her life leaves behind a host of memories.

While living in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, Donna worked as a paralegal for several years. She also taught piano lessons and attended West Virginia State University for music. Then after moving to Baltimore, she continued her work as a paralegal for a while, before becoming a Manager of the Deli Department of a Weis Market. At Weis, she liked interacting with customers and giving her grandchildren cheese when they came to visit her at work. She had an easy way with people, a gift for conversation, and a spirit that made others feel seen.

Donna’s personality was wonderfully endearing. She loved to play games and watch classic movies, and her creativity found its way onto paper through drawing. Music, too, was one of her great delights—she was talented and played the piano, accordion, and guitar. She was also not shy and loved to do karaoke whenever possible. In one season of life that she remembered fondly, in Holy Trinity Church in Nitro, West Virginia she used to team up on piano with a friend who played guitar and sang: Kathy Mattea, four-time Country Music Award winner and longtime favorite of the Grand Ole Opry. Donna had no idea then, who Kathy would become in the music industry. To Donna, she was simply a friend with whom to make music. That’s how she moved through the world, with humor, openness, and a genuine love of connection. She also loved animals, particularly dogs, and always had a faithful companion at her side until her health prevented her from caring for one.

A woman of faith, Donna journaled throughout her life and carried a spirituality that was heartfelt and expansive. Originally raised in the Catholic faith, and later transitioning between multiple denominations of Christian faiths, she was always spiritually connected but never tied to one tradition; when her children were young, it was common for her to have them in a liturgical setting one Sunday and in a Charismatic/Pentecostal service the next. She was deeply social—able to talk with anyone for hours—and she made friends wherever she went. Just as importantly, she had a curious and often stubborn and rebellious nature to her, which gave her a unique flare to go along with her encouraging, accepting style with people.

Donna was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Jacob Wickman; her mother, Dorothy Cain Wickman Bloodsworth; and her brother, Donald Wickman. She is survived by her son, Kevin Groome (Melissa); her daughter, Robin Groome; her sister-in-law, Joan Wickman; her grandchildren, Alec Groome, Ali Baughman (Brett), Cal Groome (Bethany), Aster Langley, and Lynee' Langley; and her only great-granddaughter, Eve Willow Groome.

There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in the Tulip Grove Room at Hermitage Funeral Home from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. A Celebration of Donna's Life will begin at 12:00 PM with Khette Cox, Chaplain with Shalom Hospice, officiating. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Groome family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.