Donna Carole Groome, 84, was born June 29, 1941, and passed away May 15, 2026. Born in Old Hickory, Donna grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and her life was marked by meaningful seasons of change—moving to West Virginia in 1969, returning to Baltimore in the early 1980s, and making her final move to Nashville in 2002. She was a beloved and cherished presence to many, and her life leaves behind a bright, grateful chorus of memories.
While living in Baltimore, Donna became the Manager of the Deli Department of a Weis Market, a regional full-service grocery chain with over 200 locations in the eastern states. She brought care and steadiness to her work, and the same warmth that defined her days—an easy way with people, a gift for conversation, and a spirit that made others feel seen.
Donna’s joy was wonderfully contagious. She loved to play games and watch classic movies, and her creativity found its way onto paper through drawing. Music, too, was one of her great delights—she was talented and played the piano, accordion, and guitar. In one of those perfectly Donna moments that still makes people smile, she once teamed up on piano with a friend who played guitar and sang: Kathy Mattea, four-time Country Music Award winner and longtime favorite of the Grand Ole Opry. Donna had no idea who she was; to Donna, she was simply a friend to make music with—because that’s how she moved through the world, with humor, openness, and a genuine love of connection. She also loved animals, particularly dogs, and enjoyed karaoke with groups of friends.
A woman of faith, Donna journaled throughout her life and carried a spirituality that was heartfelt and expansive. Raised in the Catholic faith, she was more spiritual than tied to any one tradition; when her children were young, she might have them in a liturgical setting one Sunday and in a Charismatic/Pentecostal service the next. She was deeply social—able to talk with anyone for hours—and she made friends wherever she went. Just as importantly, she was encouraging and accepting of people from all walks of society, leaving behind a legacy of welcome and uplift.
Donna was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Jacob Wickman; her mother, Dorothy Bloodsworth Wickman; and her brother, Donald Wickman.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Groome (Melissa); her daughter, Robin Groome; her daughter-in-law, Joan Wickman; her grandchildren, Alec Groome, Ali Baughman (Brett), Cal Groome (Bethany), Aster Langley, and Lynee’ Langley; and her great-granddaughter, Eve Willow Groome.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in the Tulip Grove Room at Hermitage Funeral Home from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. A Celebration of Donna’s Life will begin at 12:00 PM with Khette Cox, Chaplain with Shalom Hospice, officiating.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Groome family by selecting “Add a Memory” at the bottom of this page. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/old-hickory-tn
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