Arthur Leon DeGroft

Arthur Leon DeGroft, 73, of Windsor, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. He was the son of the late Wilber John DeGroft and Gladis Cora Morgret DeGroft. Mr. DeGroft is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susanne Gail Simmons DeGroft.; daughters, Artura Linda D. Mayo (Melvin), Marguerite Evelyn D. Johnson (Woodrow), Nichole Ingrid D. Stalls (Russell); son, Joshua Vern DeGroft (Melissa); grandchildren: Isaac, Gabriel, Nicole, Alethia, Warrick, Joshua, Dustin and Shane; great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Carson; and a brother, Herbert W. DeGroft (Mary Ellen). Arthur was a truly special man, a husband, life partner, a friend to many, a father, grandfather, great-grand father, a mentor, a leader, and a man of his word. He was generous to a fault with compassion for others that was unmatched. He never knew a stranger and was able to recall names, faces, and the smallest details of all those he had met. Arthur grew up in Hanover, Pennsylvania where he graduated from Southwestern High School. He continued to York College and received his Associates degree. At Millersville University Arthur graduated with a Bachelors and Masters in Education & Counseling. He later received his advanced graduate degree from William & Mary University. He earned his Certification in Counseling for Pre-K through 12. He spent his life dedicated to the investment of children through being a school Guidance Counselor. Arthur was devoted to the children he served and the work he loved. He retired from Isle Wright County Schools. Arthur joined the Army where he honorably served his country that he loved. While serving he met Susanne in 1971 in Colorado Springs. Six months later on December 18, 1971 Arthur and Susanne married in Hanover and started their 49-year marriage of love, compassion, and partnership through all that life had to offer. He was the most loving, charming, giving, and selfless husband that any woman could dream of. Arthur was and will always be Susanne’s Honey-Man, Prince Charming, Best Friend, and Loving Husband. Arthur and Susanne later blessed two little girls (Artura and Marguerite) by adopting with in seven months of each other to a loving family. Both started with a phone call with sight unseen in the middle of the night ending with “Bring My Daughter Home”. Later he was blessed with a daughter (Nichole) and son (Joshua) that were gifts from God to this couple. He also brought under his family wing Ralf Hofmann (Sarina) from Australia that became part of his wonderful family. Arthur was a father that provided all the love, character, safety, and humor for his children. He solidified a strong morally driven work ethic through example for his family. Arthur was loved for the amazing husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend that he was. He will be missed but never forgotten. We take peace that his is with Our Heavenly Father. A private graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Albert G Horton Veteran’s Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. Family will receive friends Monday evening October 18, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. at Little’s Funeral Home Smithfield, VA. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.