Mary Claire Grocott
1949 - 2026
Mary Claire Grocott
February 3, 1949 – June 27, 2026
Mary Claire Grocott, known to many as “Pixie,” of Advance, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House.
Born on February 3, 1949, in Trenton, New Jersey, Mary was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Jones. She and her beloved husband, William Grocott, raised their daughters in Hamilton Square, New Jersey, before relocating to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to be closer to their grandchildren. Mary also spent several years in Michigan, where she formed deep and lasting friendships at The Village of Holly Woodlands. Those friends became family, and she treasured those relationships throughout her life.
Mary lived a life grounded in faith, friendship, family, and service. A graduate of Notre Dame High School, she found joy in reading, baking, and cooking, but her greatest and most treasured role was being “MiMi.” She adored her four grandchildren beyond measure and took immense pride in watching them grow, celebrating every milestone and accomplishment while surrounding them with unwavering love and encouragement.
A devoted member of Saint Anne Catholic Church in Ortonville, Michigan, Mary served as a Eucharistic Minister. Her deep Catholic faith guided her life and was reflected in the compassion and kindness she shared with many.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, James and Elizabeth Jones; her beloved husband, William Donald Grocott; her sister, Sister Judith Marie Jones; and her daughter, Michelle Elizabeth Talbot.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Marie Rodgers; her grandsons, Zachary James Rodgers and Braeden Andrew Rodgers, and her grandchildren, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Talbot and Christopher Jacob Talbot, the children of her late daughter Michelle Talbot. She also leaves behind friends, wonderful neighbors, and fellow parishioners.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who loved Mary, especially those who provided comfort and care during her final months.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons, North Carolina.
A private interment will be held at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, where Mary will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, William Donald Grocott.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 282, Ortonville, MI 48462.