Dorothy Jane Harkleroad Grove

Dorothy Jane Harkleroad Grove passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on July 17, 1942, in Scott County, Virginia, she grew up with a deep curiosity about the world that would shape a life defined by adventure, resilience, and the warmth she extended to everyone around her.

As the wife of Staff Sergeant James Grove, Dorothy embraced the life of an Army spouse, moving with him to Paris, France, and spending nine years in Germany, along with duty stations at the Pentagon, California, Washington State, and Virginia. She became the heart of every community they joined, welcoming new military families, comforting spouses during deployments, and transforming temporary quarters into inviting homes. Known for her Southern hospitality, she regularly invited young single soldiers to her table for holiday meals featuring her homemade cobblers. She was active in chapel communities, taught Sunday School, and formed friendships that spanned decades and continents. Her love of fashion, interior design, and collecting beautiful dishes, crystal, and furniture from the places she lived reflected her appreciation for beauty and new experiences.

After James retired from the Army, Dorothy and her family settled in Jonesborough, Tennessee. There she remained deeply involved in her community, supporting the Boy Scouts alongside her son Bob, participating in church activities, volunteering, and sharing her knowledge of interior decorating and flower gardening. She cherished being near family in Tennessee and Virginia, and later found joy in the fellowship of the Salem Methodist widows’ group.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, retired Staff Sergeant James Grove; her son, James Robert Sidney “Bob” Grove; her parents, Ernest and Hettie Fuller Harkleroad; and her sisters, Audrey Baxter and Joyce McMurray. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Grove Matheson (Danny); her brother, Gerald Harkleroad (Barbara); her daughter-in-law, Lori Black Grove; and her grandchildren, Andrew Matheson (Erin), Aaron Matheson, Sidney Grove, and Chris “C.J.” Black. She will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends across the globe, including Marie Taylor, Mary Anne Cook, Carolyn Whitaker, Margaret Fogleman, Crystal Camp, and Jennifer Spurlock, all of whom were touched by her kindness, laughter, and storytelling.