Lillie Gerlene Degroodt

Gerlene Lillie DeGroodt, age 88, of Pencil Bluff, Arkansas, passed away June 11, 2023. She was born May 22, 1935, to the late John and Nettie Thompson.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands Darwin Bivins and Clarence DeGroodt, sisters Mildred “Sissie” Singleton, Evelyn Beshears, Panny James and brothers Davidson “Dick” Tabor and Thomas “Lee” Tabor.

Gerlene is survived by her husband, Floyd McKinzie, her children Barbara (Don) Hotchkin, Terry (Linda) Bivins, Bonnie (Glenn) Norris and Tammy (Jerry) Sandlin. She was a proud grandmother to 8 grandchildren Philip Norris, Jolene Feliciano, Joy Martin, Adam Bivins, Jarad Bivins, Brooke Wingfield, Tyler Wingfield and Lauren Wingfield. A great grandmother to 12 great grandchildren: Savannah Vail, Selena Feliciano, Alec Feliciano, Sierra Norris, Rebecca Norris, Jackson Norris, Hannah Martin, Lydia Martin, Josiah Martin, Ellie Bivins, Walker Bissell and Parker Short along with many friends and extended family.

Gerlene left Arkansas when she married her first husband and moved to Colorado because of his military service. They settled in New York to raise their 4 children. She worked for many years in the hotel industry. While living in New York her time was spent with her grandchildren, making numerous quilts and always raising a garden. She was a active member in her church and had many lifelong friends. Upon retiring she fulfilled her dream of moving back to her roots in Arkansas. She spent her time putting endless hours into her garden, quilting, being with her sister Mildred and her grandchildren. Gerlene was known to her grandchildren in New York by “Momma Geri” and she was “Megar” to her southern grandchildren. She spent many hours proudly watching her grandchildren play football and basketball.

Her vegetable garden was her passion. She anticipated the arrival of spring every year so she could be outside. For many years her harvest was sold at the local farmers market and her home. She often said working in her garden was when she felt closet to God. She will always be remembered as a hard worker. Her presence will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family would like to thank Darrell Elkin, Laura Wagner and Elite Hospice Care for all the care and concern they showed our Mother. A special thank you to Leon and Lamanda Stovall for all their love and treating her like their own. To her nephews Robin and Betty Singleton, Gary and Gail James for their love and always checking on Mom. To Evelyn Love for her love, visits with Mom and many meals prepared. To Jeff Blansett and the staff at Thornton Funeral Home for his advice and the kindness he showed to our family during our painful loss.

Visitation will be Friday, June 16, 2023, 5:00-7:00 pm at Thornton Funeral Home Chapel. Service will be Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 am at Brushy Baptist Church with Bro. Tommy Beshears officiating. Pallbearers will be Don Hotchkin, Glenn Norris, Jerry Sandlin, Robin Singleton, Leon Stovall and Hunter Bissell. Burial will be at Macedonia Cemetery in Pencil Bluff. Arrangements are under the direction of Thornton Funeral Service in Mt. Ida. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com