Thelma Grogan

Thelma K. Grogan, 92, formerly of Oakton, VA, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2013. She had suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for a number of years. Born in Danville, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Joel and Ruby Grogan. She was predeceased by her sisters Leora Brown and Elise Grogan Robertson, and her brother Landon Grogan, as well as her niece Jean Hall, all of Danville. Ms. Grogan was a graduate of Averett College and Madison College and received a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Virginia. She had a long and successful career in the field of education. She taught for 11 years at Brosville High School in Pittsylvania County until she moved to Northern Virginia. There, she taught for 8 years in Fairfax County before becoming an elementary school principal, a position she held for 21 years. She served as the principal at Edsal Park, Marshall Road and Stenwood Elementaries. She retired in 1983, having spent more than 40 years improving the education of countless children in Northern Virginia. She was also adept in serving the interests of her respective faculties through her leadership in numerous local and state educational associations. Ms. Grogan was a member of Whitmell United Methodist Church near Danville before moving to Northern Virginia in 1952. There, she attended the Oakton United Methodist Church and was active in many aspects of the church for more than 30 years. Throughout the years, she held a number of leadership roles in the organization of United Methodist Women. Ms. Grogan was an avid traveler and she and her companion of more than 70 years, Ms. Edith Ashworth, visited all seven continents, most recently Antarctica which along with their African safari was her favorite. Most of all though she loved her family and friends and cherished time spent with them. She is survived by two nieces, Sylvia Pond of Suffolk, VA, and Judy Smith of Forest, VA, a nephew, Landon Grogan of Vancouver, Washington, and her companion, Edith Ashworth of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 4, 2013, at 12:00 PM at Townes Funeral Home in Danville, VA with the Reverend Susan Hannah officiating. Interment will be in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends at Townes Funeral Home from 10:30-11:30 AM prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to either the Whitmell United Methodist Church, 121 Sunset Dr., Dry Fork, VA 24549, or the Oakton United Methodist Church, 2951 Chain Bridge Rd., P.O. Box 205, Oakton, VA 22124 in her memory. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street, Danville, Virginia, is serving the Grogan family.