Mavis Claire Tootle Obituary (2021)

Mavis Claire Tootle (nee Groover) passed away Saturday night, March 6 at 10:00pm at Helena Place Senior Living in Port Royal, SC. She was 99 years young. Mrs. Tootle was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Douglas Tootle and infant daughter, Betty Carolyn. She was born the eldest child of seven to Ralph and Betty Groover of Gum Brach, GA. She graduated from Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, GA in 1938, married the "love of her life" in 1941, and had three fabulous children: Charles Douglas Tootle (Brenda), Kenneth Lynn Tootle, and Mary Beth Coffield (Richard). Those children surrounded her with eight grandchildren: Cherice Cothran (David), Kim Lockstedt (John), Lynn Tootle (Vanessa), Caroline Hayden (Sean), Douglas Tootle, Christian Tootle, Rob Griffeth, Simon Griffeth (Carrie) and eleven great grandchildren: Alaina Cothran, Evan Lockstedt, Audrey Lockstedt, Nick Tootle, Julia Tootle, Maggie Tootle, Luke Hayden, Kellen Hayden, Emery Hayden, Robert Griffeth IV, and Franklin Mathos-Griffeth . Mrs. Tootle was a proud patriotic woman appreciating her heritage and founding fathers. She was an active member of several local, national, and international Heritage groups. She enjoyed historical research. Mrs. Tootle was a 65+ year member holding positions of leadership in her beloved church, Port Royal Baptist, where she taught Sunday School and mentored countless women of all ages throughout the years. Mrs. Tootle had been employed by the DOD as a kindergarten principal and then later, as the Director at the Joe L. Warren Childcare Center on MCAS from the 1960's to the late 1970's. During her years of active employment she received many leadership awards acknowledging her efficiencies and expertise in the field of early childhood development. Mavis Tootle lived a life of love and service to all. She loved her husband, her family, her community, her God, and her country. She enjoyed a well-lived and well-loved life, and will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to have known her. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 11am in Port Royal Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 12:30pm in the church. The burial at the Beaufort National Cemetery is private for family only. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Port Royal Baptist Church or Friends of Caroline Hospice.