Jo Ann Grooms

Mrs. Jo Ann (Despeaux) Grooms, 60, of Frederick died Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at her residence.  She was the wife of William C. "Bill" Grooms for 32 years.

Born April 20, 1956, in Frederick, she was the daughter of Edward and Joan (Merchant) Despeaux of Thurmont. She was a 1974 graduate of Catoctin High School.

Jo Ann was the owner and director of Dance Etc., a dance studio located in Walkersville, MD for 25 years. She discovered her passion for dance at an early age, beginning lessons at the age of five. She taught dance classes at various studios throughout her life, instilling self-confidence, respect and strength of character in all of her students. She devoted herself to her community, introducing the art of dance to many she came in contact with. Jo Ann was also a life long member of the Frederick Church of the Brethren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Jo Ann is survived by her daughter, Danielle Doll and husband Colin; son, Christopher Grooms; siblings, Cyreasa Sprankle and husband Daniel, Craig Despeaux and wife Nancy, Anne Reaver and husband Matt, Bryant Despeaux and wife Marjie, and Renee Mathews and husband Robert, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her special caregiver, Phyllis Baker.

Friends will be received at a visitation on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM at Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Ave., Frederick, MD 21701 and on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 10 until 11 AM at the church with a memorial service beginning at 11 AM.  Pastor Sandi Evans Rogers will officiate.  Inurnment will be private.

Arrangements were made by the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, Frederick and condolences may be shared by going to www.keeneybasford.com