Obituary of Precious Zurlo Grooms

Precious Z. Grooms, 75, passed away on April 2, 2018 at Colonial Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center. She was born in Trenton, New Jersey on July 29, 1942, to Atlee and Emma Amato Zurlo. She graduated from Pemberton High School, Pemberton, New Jersey, and the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, where she earned a BA in English. She was the editor of the college newspaper, "The Gamecock". She taught High School English and French for over 30 years at Airport and Pelion high schools. She was also the coordinator and editor for the annual yearbook.

Precious excelled in art projects such as ceramics, painting, and afghan making. She was a seamstress, and made many of her own clothes. She was an excellent cook and baker. She was the family matriarch and all holidays were celebrated around her table with family and friends. Her tins of Christmas cookies and Biscotti were staples in her home. Presh had a smile for everyone, and her exuberance for life was infectious. Last but not least, she always had a cat. She will be greatly missed by many.

She was predeceased by her husband of fifty years, Wayne M. Grooms; her parents; her stepmother, Clara (Kate) T. Zurlo; her sister, Sr. Carol A. Zurlo; and a nephew, David V. Zurlo.

She is survived by a son, Alex C. Grooms of West Columbia; brothers, Donald J. Zurlo of Columbia and John M. Zurlo of Gilbert; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David H. and Pat Grooms of Dorchester, Mike L and Diane Grooms of Beaufort, Paul M. and Becky Grooms of Aiken, and Tony Grooms of Gilbert. In addition, she is survived by many cousins, second cousins and many nieces and nephews. A very special cousin is Sr. Pat (Precious) Millen OSF, of Spokane, Washington.

A viewing will be held between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. A Graveside service will be on Wednesday, April 11, at 11:00 AM in the Grooms Family Cemetery in Cross, South Carolina.

Memorials may be made to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, or the Alzheimer's Association.