away, at age 82, on Friday, April 19, 2024, after a sudden decline in her health. Kittie was known for her outgoing personality. She had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. Kittie was witty and fun; she thrived in social settings. She loved to entertain and enjoyed coordinating events for friends and neighbors.
She was married to Kenneth Caldwell for almost 40 years. Kittie and Ken loved to travel and were fortunate to have visited every continent during their marriage. In addition to travel, they enjoyed concerts, sporting events, and dinner out with friends. Kittie considered Seminole County, Florida, her home for over 30 years. Later in life, Kittie and Ken split their time between New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and the mountains in Big Canoe, Georgia.
Kittie was a native of Macon, Georgia, an active member of Vineville Baptist Church, and a graduate of Miller Senior High. She completed her education degree at the University of Georgia where she was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Kittie was a loyal Georgia Bulldawg fan her whole life.
Kittie was a part of the Lake Brantley High School Community for 27 years. During this time, she continued her education at Nova University completing a master’s degree in math and computer science and her educational leadership degree. While serving as a math teacher for 17 years, Kittie also assumed the duties of Assistant Athletic Director, Varsity Cheer Coach, and Varsity Girls Golf Coach. In 1999, Kittie was appointed Assistant Principal and remained in this role until her retirement in 2005. While Kittie loved teaching at Lake Brantley, it was her involvement with athletics that made it fun and rewarding. Kittie was constantly thinking about what could be done to improve the facilities for all sports and how to support the challenge of having successful teams. Under her leadership, the girl's golf team progressed from novice golfers to winning the conference in their second year and advancing to state in year three. That year, Kittie was recognized as “Coach of the Year” for girl’s golf. In 2019, Kittie was inducted into the Lake Brantley Athletics Hall of Fame.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle McGregor (Garth), four stepchildren, Kelli Kay Smith (Wayne), John Kent Caldwell (Erin), Kyle Eugene Caldwell, and Kari Caldwell Perrett (Joe), a brother, Frank L. Groce III (Dianne). Kittie had 8 beautiful grandchildren Jamie Smith, Kristie Smith, Cameron Boyd, Ryan Smith, Tyler Caldwell, Hunter Caldwell, Connor Caldwell, Logan Caldwell, and 5 great-grandchildren, Liam Boyd, Violet Jones, Charley Jones, Benning Boyd, and Leo Smith. In addition, Kittie is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Kittie was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Earl Caldwell, father, Frank L. Groce Sr., mother, Lillian Young Groce, sister, Barbara Groce Bonner, and infant brother, Frank L. Groce Jr. Her big heart, beautiful smile, and kindness will be missed by all who knew her.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 2:00PM, in the chapel of Snow’s at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor Paul Dziadul will officiate. The family will greet friends an hour prior to service time in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kittie’s honor to the American Alzheimer's Association at www.alzheimers.org.
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