Carmen Marie Figueroa (nee Grove) was born January 5, 1959, at the Coatesville Hospital. She was the third of six children born to the union of Margaret Grove (nee Harris) and the late Rev. Dr. Joshua Grove II.

Carmen received her fundamental education in the Coatesville Area School District where she played field hockey and developed the hobby of sewing during home economics classes. She was a graduate of Coatesville Area Senior High School (C.A.S.H.) Class of 1976. Following high school, she enlisted in the United States Army and was awarded a medical discharge. She continued her education completing programs in dental hygiene (National School of Health & Technology), medical assistance (Delaware County Community College), and practical nursing (Willow Valley Nursing School Program). She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in several different settings where she provided exceptional nursing care. She completed her professional career as an LPN, retiring from Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital after 30 years of service.

Carmen accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at the age of 12 years old and was baptized by her father. She placed God first in her life and continued to grow in her faith and dedication to the Lord. She joined Christian Faith Fellowship (CFF) in Downingtown, PA and was a faithful contributing member. As a member of CFF, she served in the Prison, Evangelism, Youth, and Foreign Mission Ministries. During her lengthy illness, she maintained the desire to serve the Lord and continued to attend church services when her health permitted.

Carmen was the hostess extraordinaire often entertaining and traveling. She enjoyed opening her home frequently hosting holiday dinners and special occasion parties. She enjoyed watching butterflies, collecting birdhouses, home décor, gardening, cooking, and assembling jigsaw puzzles. Her travels included excursions to Germany, Hawaii, California, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Nebraska, Kansas, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Africa.

Carmen made family her number one priority, always offering support when and where needed. She enjoyed watching her nephews play football at C.A.S.H., as well as clothes shopping with or for her nieces. She was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. She served on several family reunion planning committees leading activities and games.

Carmen was preceded by her father Rev. Dr. Joshua Grove II, brother Stanley Roosevelt Grove, maternal grandparents Jiles and Alice Harris (nee Irving), paternal grandparents Rev. Josh Grove Sr. and Mamie Grove (nee Robinson), 2 great-nephews (infants) and God parents Willie Ira and Mae Hart.

Carmen established loving memories to be cherished a lifetime for her mother Margaret Grove; siblings Michael L. Grove, Margaret D. Hines (Anthony), Teresa D. Graham (Wayne), and Joshua Grove III; 5 nephews Dwayne A. Graham, Turron A. Graham, Michael S. Graham (Trina), Samuel L. London III (Stephanie), and Michael Stowers; 3 nieces Portia N. Miles (Jamar), Martina D. L, Ozvald (Dorijan), and Christiane Grove; 5 great-nephews Jon A. White, Triston D. Graham Legree, Samuel L. London IV, Joshua D. London, and Neo V. Ozvald; 6 great-nieces Savannah G. Graham, Nichelle Graham, Sophie C. Graham, Michelle Igelhaut, Lara Igelhaut, and Mathilda Grove; 1 uncle Rev. James Grove Sr. (Mary); 2 aunts Doretha Grove, and Mattie Grove; 2 God children Wayman Deveaux and Kaleena Gray, 4 close high school friends Wanda Brown, Yvonne Baker, Crystal Johnson, and Rhoda Outzs; 7 close friends Evelyn Hall, Debbie Brown, Rose Sanor, Dianta Wilson, Gloria Bostic-Davis, Elizabeth D. Lubker, Dr. Inez Stoltzfus, and Edwin Figueroa; and 8 close cousins, Delores Harris, Marsha Williams, Pat Teel, Ronald and Rosalyn Deveaux, Paulette Fulbright, Janice Scott, and Rev. Steven Deveaux.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Passtown, 117 Barber Avenue, Coatesville, PA. A viewing will be held from 8:00 AM until the time of service.

Interment will be in Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carmen's memory to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org/donation or Penn Medicine Hospice at www.pennmedicine.org/hospice-donate /   (215) 573-1155

National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd St, New York NY 10016
Web: http://www.kidney.org/donation

Penn Medicine Hospice
Tel: 1-215-573-1155
Web: http://www.pennmedicine.org/hospice-donate