Catherine Lewis Grohman, known as “Nana” by her family and close friends, left this world peacefully Friday, April 7, 2017, to start a new life in eternity. After 94 years on this earth, blessing and serving those she came in contact with, she ran into the arms of Jesus, who was waiting for her alongside a huge welcoming committee: her beloved husband, son, son-in-law, mother and father, siblings, and a circle of friends too large to count!
Catherine was born in Wilmington on July 20, 1922, the daughter of the late Henry G. and Kitty Horne Dicksey Lewis. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, H.G. Grohman, former Sheriff of New Hanover County and affectionately known as “Sugie”; son, Michael Grohman; brothers P.T. Dicksey, Andrew (Buddy) Dicksey and Bruce Lewis; and sister, Alma Tompkins.
She is survived by son, Paul Grohman of Charlotte, N.C.; daughters, Emily Hammonds and Cathy Grohman of Wilmington; and grandchildren, Renee Blanton and Brian, Tara McCrary and Todd, Jamie Martin and Steve, Tracie Carlile, Angie Ricker, Kurt Grohman and Kim and Kathleen Foss. She was adored by her great-grandchildren, Delaney and Kelsey McCrary, Taylor and Dylan Blanton, Jonathan, Elijah and Trishna Martin, Victoria Ricker, Josh and Candace Carlile and Hannah Grohman. She is also survived by special adopted great-grandsons, Ben and Collin Legere; special niece, Kitty Sasser; and adopted daughters, Dorothy McCormick and Beth Sonnenberg.
Catherine was an active member of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church, Keenagers, Circle No. 1, and volunteered at New Hanover Regional Medical Center Auxiliary for many years. She loved baking and had her own special cake-sharing ministry.
Known for her positivity and contagious laughter, Nana will be remembered most for her unconditional love, her commitment to family and her faith in God. Her family promises to honor and continue this legacy and rejoices in the knowledge that they will see her again one day.
The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, at Andrews Valley Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church with pastors Jim Glasgow and Dan Sonnenberg officiating.
Burial will take place in Oleander Memorial Gardens following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Timothy Two Project International, P.O. Box 7889, Wilmington, NC 28406.
