Norman D. Groves

Bro. Norman Dean Groves was born October 30, 1952, to Elder Elmer Groves, Sr and MaryAnn Russell Groves in Kansas City, MO; and is the eldest of eight children. Whenever Norman spoke with his siblings, when he started the conversation, he’d always let them know this is ‘Big Brother Norman’ so they’d always recognize his position.

Norman is preceded in death by his mother, MaryAnn; maternal grandmother, OraRuth Russell - who was instrumental in raising he and his siblings; and one sister, Razamia Groves-Floyd.

Norman attended school in the Kansas City metropolitan area, before graduating from Lincoln College Prepratory Academy in 1970. After graduation, he and his high school sweetheart LaVonne Brown moved to California where they were married and to their union, one daughter was born. While in CA, Norman was employed for the Los Angeles Times and later became a over-the-road truck driver. He often said that he’d been to every state across the US, he just wasn’t able to visit them properly. During his time in LA, he also played for several semi-pro football teams: the LA Hurricanes and Ontario Crush, as well as making it to the practice squad for the Denver Broncos.

After moving back to Kansas City in the early 1990’s, Norman was later employed by the City of Kansas City, Missouri water department from which he retired in 2014. After retirement he later worked as a school bus driver for the KCPSD. During this time, he met and married Mosella Redmond where the union lasted 10 years until her death in 2009.

Some of Norman’s past times would include men’s bible study at Rivers Edges Fellowship and of course his love for the Kansas City Chiefs where football ruled the entire season at home. He also served in several Masonic houses in Kansas City, KS for local chapters of the IB Blackburn Masonic Lodge, Mystic Shriners, Koran Temple #33, Orient Consistory #19, Ancient Accepted & Egyptian, Arabic Order Nobles, Mystic Shrine and Scottish Rite PHA temples. He was deeply proud to accomplish his 33rd degree designation in 2024.

Norman will leave to cherish his memory, his wife of 15 years, Frances M Carey Groves; and daughter, Jakayla Nicole Carey Groves of the home; eldest daughter, Teonte Brown Groves; and granddaughter, LaChana McGrew of Las Vegas, NV; his father, Elder Elmer Groves Sr; and bonus mother, Christine Burnette Groves; two brothers: Elmer Jr and Phillip Groves both of Kansas City, MO; five sisters: Janelle Groves of Dallas, TX, Michelle Groves, Phyllis Groves-Wyatt-Verner-Moore (Gerald) and April Groves Uti, also of Kansas City, MO, along with a hostof nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rest in Love Brother Norman - your presence will be missed.

Tribute from Jakayla: Daddy thank you for all you’ve done for me throughout my life. You always made sure I felt protected and loved. As you always ended your calls: “Bye for Now”