Delores (Shuffield) Groves, age 80, of Malvern, Arkansas, passed away on May 18th , 2026 at Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

She was born on May 1st, 1946, in Bismarck, Arkansas, to Opal and C.O. Shuffield. After graduating from Bismarck High School in 1964 and then Southern State University.  Delores went on to teach elementary school at Bismarck. After a stint in schools in Maryland, she returned to Arkansas and began teaching at Malvern Elementary School teaching second graders. In her later career she would reach out to help newer teachers adapt.

In 1986, Delores married Jerry Groves, and together they shared 22 wonderful years. Delores never met a stranger, making lifelong friends with her neighbors and treating their children like her own grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, watching old westerns, and interior decorating, particularly with roosters.

Delores is survived by her brother Shawn Shuffield and his wife Michelle; sister Cecilia Weatherford; son Lanny Allen and his wife Kelly; daughter Christine Groves and daughter Tracey Bass. She is also survived by many grandchildren who affectionately called her NeeNee; Alexander Groves, Hunter Allen, Perry Allen, Meghan McDaniel, Gabriel Bass, Connor Bass, one great grandson Elijah Groves, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a brother-in-law Marshall Weatherford.

Funeral service will be held on June 5th, 2026, at 2:00pm at Regency Funeral Home with visitation starting at 1:00 pm prior to service. Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Weatherford, Blaine Weatherford, and Barry Weatherford.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation