Caroline Genett Steele Johnson Groce

Caroline Genett Steele Johnson Groce, 82, peacefully passed away on the morning of September 22, 2026, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, with her youngest daughter, Angela Denise Ross, by her side.

Caroline was born on March 2, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Bennie Louis Steele and Susie Lutiebelle Brooks. Raised alongside her brothers and sisters in a Christian home, her family later settled in Massillon, Ohio. She graduated from Washington High School and remained a loyal, lifelong supporter of Massillon Tiger athletics and traditions.

In 1963, Caroline married Willie Mack Johnson of Canton, Ohio. Together, they raised five children: Eric, Tammy “Kezia ”, Angela, David, and Terry.

Family was always her central priority. After years as a stay-at-home mother, she entered the workforce and dedicated 25 years of service to the Hoover Vacuum Company / Westinghouse. Following that career, she worked state and county fairs, flea markets, and ballgames selling roasted peanuts—funding an early retirement that opened a vibrant new chapter of independence.

During retirement, Caroline enjoyed traveling to family reunions, taking cruises, visiting casinos, and playing bingo. At home, she could often be found tending her garden, feeding the neighborhood birds and squirrels, working on crosswords and puzzles, or watching the Cleveland Cavaliers from her favorite recliner. Above all, she treasured visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose laughter brought her endless joy.

Her humility, patience, and warmth touched everyone who knew her. Whether known as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, or friend, she carried every role with grace and love. On Tuesday morning, Caroline answered the call of the Lord, entering eternal rest and reuniting with loved ones who went before her.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”

— Proverbs 31:10

Preceded in Death by

Parents: Bennie Louis Steele and Susie Lutiebelle Brooks

Former Husband: Willie Mack Johnson

Son: David Johnson

Son-in-Law: Timothy Ross

Brothers: Bennie L. Steele, Jr., Jesse Steele, and Robert Steele

Sisters: Mary Keys and Amie Sheegog

Survived by Children

Eric (Dr. Somporn “Noi” Ketaroonrat) Johnson

Tammy "Kezia" (Ronnie "Elihu") Perrin

Angela Denise Ross

Terry (DeCarla Brown) Johnson

Sister: Gloria Jean Steele

A host of beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends.

Service & Memorial Information

Visitation: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Friendship Baptist Church, Massillon, Ohio

Home Going Celebration: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 11:00 AM

Friendship Baptist Church, Massillon, Ohio

Officiating: Pastor Troy Richardson