Cecelia K. Grooms

Cecelia Darden was born October 22, 1928, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. She was the youngest of four of Thomas and Gertrude Darden who preceded her in death as well as her brothers Alexander and Homer Darden and her sister Laura. At an early age, the family moved to St Louis, Missouri. Cecelia was 13 years old when she and the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she attended Central Jr. High and later graduated from John Hay High School in 1946. Later she married Chester J. Grooms Jr. Two children were born from this union, Lynda J. Grooms-Hill and Johnny A. Grooms Sr. (Marguerite). Cecelia was employed by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax examiner for 30 years when she retired in 1986. Cecelia was involved in a number of organizations: North Coast Follies Dance Troupe of Lakewood, Ohio. The Cleveland Interfaith Choir, Eastern Star, Volunteer of the Year at the Cleveland Playhouse from 1986-2004. She taught line dancing at the Oasis of the May Company of Cleveland, Crowned Queen at the Line Dance Festival in the Catskills of New York. She was a member of the bowling leagues of the Alhambra Bowling Lanes on Euclid Avenue for many years. Cecelia was called Mother of the Thomas Visions Prayer Warriors. Cecelia was honored at the Annual Concert of the Original Throwback Choir of Cleveland Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America October 2019. She was also a member of the Cleveland Heights Chapter of AARP. Cecelia accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Second New Hope Baptist Church of Cleveland where she was in the choir and worked in the church. Cecelia joined East Mt. Zion Baptist Church in December of 1977. Where she has served as Secretary of the Sunday School Home Department. A charter member of the Seniors Ministries where she helped plan and organize travel and other activities of the ministry. She served as Treasurer of the Women's' Day Committee. She was a strong supporter of the Cleveland Sub-District of Baptist Women, and she loved Her Group 17 and planning the Annual Widows Banquet. Cecelia leaves to cherish her memory her two children listed above; seven grandchildren, Vidal (Sheyona), Danielle (Jerome), Chasity Pierre Jr, Cecelia (Damon), Johnny Jr. (Sandy) Ashley and Gianna; 20 great-grandchildren; nephews, Lamarr (Debor'ah), Tommy (Terry) more nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and a host of family and friends.