Lillian Groot Gwaltney

Lillian Groot Gwaltney, 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Fairfax Station, Virginia, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. She was born on November 1, 1928, in Cherrydale (Arlington County), Virginia, the youngest of seven children, and the beloved twin sister of Louis Ellis Groot Jr., who preceded her in death, as well as her parents, Emma Hurlebaus Groot and Louis Ellis Groot Sr., her sisters Mary Louise Wood, Elsie Groot Davis, Emma Groot Day; and her brother, William Clark Groot. Growing up, Lillian was affectionately called “Sis” by her siblings, nieces, and nephews. Lillian graduated from Anacostia High School in 1947. At 18, she moved with her parents to Miami, Florida, before returning to the Washington, D.C., area a few years later. In 1950 she, along with her mother, were baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses at Yankee Stadium in New York. Soon thereafter, she met the love of her life, William Laverne Gwaltney, in Fairfax Virginia. On October 10, 1953, Lillian and William Gwaltney were married and moved to Fairfax Station, Virginia. The couple shared 70 wonderful years together until William’s passing on June 10, 2024. Lillian is survived by her three children: Stephen Gwaltney, Nathan Gwaltney (Laurie), and Ellen Norris (Robert); seven grandchildren: Jessica Batzer, Melissa Gwaltney Trout (Chris), Ryan Gwaltney (Morgan), Ashley Powers (Steven), Christie McCrea (James), and Nathan Gwaltney Jr.; 12 great-grandchildren; her sister, Edna Regina Mitchell of Rockville, Maryland as well as many nieces and nephews. Throughout her life, Lillian held various jobs, but she most fondly remembered her time as a switchboard operator. She also had a creative spirit and loved painting flowers and landscapes, often crafting her own greeting cards, which remain cherished keepsakes among family and friends. Lillian also had a passion for gardening, in particular, planting flowers and trees. She also enjoyed listening to music. Lillian will be remembered for her kind and thoughtful nature. She lived her life in a way that brought praise and honor to her Creator, and she was always ready to share with others the wonderful promises for the future that she learned about through her study of the Bible. (Psalms 37:29, Revelations 21:3, 4). The interment will be private, as per the family's wishes. A Memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (3701 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030).

Lillian Groot Gwaltney

November 1, 1928 - April 15, 2025