Betty Jean Suber Groh

Betty Jean Suber Groh, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, musician, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Daniel Island, South Carolina, surrounded by her family, on July 15, 2026, one day after celebrating her 97th birthday.

Born on July 14, 1929, in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Betty was the daughter of Robert Daniel Suber and Gladys Folk Suber. She was raised in McCormick, Orangeburg, and Holly Hill, where she developed a lifelong love of music, family, and the natural world.

Betty was the oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Daniel "Bobby" Suber Jr. and John Suber, and by her beloved sister, Janice Suber McNair, who passed away just one day before Betty.

She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 75 years, Harold John Groh, originally of New Orleans and now of Daniel Island, South Carolina. Together, they built a loving family that includes their five children: Michael Groh (Mount Pleasant), Karen Groh (Daniel Island), Nora Groh Stresemann (Mount Pleasant), David Groh (Lexington), and Paul Groh (James Island). She also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren—Todd Groh, Kelly Groh Bihlear, Norman Stresemann, Kyle Stresemann, and Andy Stresemann—and four great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

Betty earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Music from Columbia College in 1950, specializing in piano and organ. She remained at Columbia College as a teacher and member of the music department until marrying Harold on September 4, 1951, in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

The early years of their marriage took them to Rochester, New York, while Harold pursued his doctorate in chemistry. They later made homes in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, North Augusta, South Carolina, and Aiken, South Carolina, where Harold worked for DuPont in the defense industry, and together they raised their family. In 1999, Betty and Harold retired to Daniel Island.

A gifted pianist, organist, and harpsichordist, Betty dedicated her life to sharing the gift of music. She possessed extraordinary sight-reading ability, impeccable rhythm, and a rare sensitivity that made every choir, chamber ensemble, soloist, and congregation she accompanied sound their very best. Her generous spirit was reflected in her musicianship—always supporting those around her with grace and humility.

For more than four decades, Betty was a cornerstone of Aiken's musical community. She faithfully accompanied and performed with St. Mary's Church, the Aiken Choral Society, the USC Aiken Concert Choir, the Aiken Playhouse, and countless other musical organizations. Among the highlights of her musical career were many memorable performances during Charleston's Piccolo Spoleto Festival. After moving to Daniel Island, she became an active member of Christ Our King Church, where she served as organist and keyboard accompanist for the choir for nearly twenty years. Even in the final days of her life, if she could reach the piano bench and see the music, she could still play—bringing joy and comfort to her family.

Above all else, Betty was devoted to her family. She was the truest example of a "Mama Bear," offering unwavering love, encouragement, and care to every generation. Family gatherings were among her greatest pleasures, and no time was more treasured than the moments she shared with her beloved sister, Janice.

Her generosity extended far beyond her home. In 1976, while raising five young children, Betty donated one of her kidneys to her brother Bobby, giving him more than twenty years free from dialysis and a priceless gift of time with those he loved.

Betty was also an exceptional Southern cook, carrying on the traditions of her mother as she joyfully "fed the masses" at countless family celebrations. She found beauty in God's creation, especially in birds and the outdoors, and passed that love of nature on to her children and grandchildren.

Her life was marked by faith, kindness, generosity, music, and unconditional love. The melodies she played, the meals she prepared, the sacrifices she made, and the family she nurtured form a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Betty's honor to East Cooper Community Outreach, the National Kidney Foundation, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Our King Catholic Church, 1149 Russell Drive, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Family and friends are invited to attend and join in prayer. A reception will follow the Mass.