On December 9, 1934, our Lord sent an angel to this world who became a loving wife, an adoring mother, a doting grandmother, a compassionate nurse, a joy to her Kin and a blessing to all who crossed her path. On December 18, 2020, our Lord called his angel, Loretta Ann Ledbetter Groome, back home.
Loretta was the 5th child of the late Fred Day Ledbetter and Jessie Mae Martin Ledbetter from Mayodan, NC. She was also preceded in death by Mary Sue Joyce (Buster); James T. Ledbetter (Delores); Louise Atwood (Leonard); Dorothy Mills (Jesse); and Fred Ray Ledbetter.
From an early age, Loretta enjoyed caring for others. After graduating from Mayodan High School in 1953, she enrolled at High Point Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. As a nursing student, she met the love of her life, Billy A. Groome.
Loretta spent most of her 41 years nursing at High Point Regional Hospital. Dressed in a white ironed uniform, polished shoes and a starched nursing cap, Loretta was the epitome of a nurse. As a nursing supervisor and clinical director, her exemplary leadership skills were evident. Loretta always put patients and their care first. Furthermore, she expected the same level of professionalism from her staff.
Loretta was instrumental in creating High Point Regional’s first Coronary Care and Stepdown Unit. She also assisted in the establishment of the Intensive Care Stepdown Unit. Her crowning accomplishment was the creation of the Love Line Cancer Support Program. She understood the financial limitations of many cancer patients. This fundraising event continues to this day and raises approximately $60,000 annually. Loretta also worked tirelessly to ensure that HPR had a cancer unit. The Cancer Center was the cornerstone of her vision and many patients continue to receive their care at this facility.
Church was an important part of Loretta’s life. At Unity United Methodist Church, she served on many committees. She received the most joy by providing monthly blood pressure checks for the congregation. If a member had a health issue, she enjoyed counseling them by providing more care. Meal for Recovery was another service she created for members when they returned home from the hospital.
Left to cherish her memory is Loretta’s husband, Bill of 63 years, daughter Beth Gobble (Russ), and only grandchild, Vince Gobble. Also surviving is sister-in-law Judith Ledbetter Beach and many nieces and nephews who she loved unconditionally.
As Loretta’s health declined, the family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who provided much love and compassion.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. De Hillyer officiating. Mrs. Groome will remain at the J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home in Thomasville until the hour of the graveside service. Loretta will lie in state at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM for members of the community to pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, a nursing scholarship has been established at Davidson County Community College to assist future nurses with their finances. Memorials may be made for the Loretta Groome Nursing Scholarship at Davidson County Community College, with checks made payable to the DCCC Foundation, PO Box 1287, Lexington, NC 27293. Online condolences may be sent to www.jcgreenandsons.com.
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