Mary Evelyn Scarborough Obituary
Mary Evelyn Scarborough, née Grimes, 95, Indianapolis, IN, formerly of Kokomo, IN, passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the home of her daughter, Cynthia Scarborough, after an extended illness. She was born May 1, 1928 in Augusta, GA to the late Adam and Dora (Mixon) Grimes, Sr. On July 9, 1953 she married Charles C. Scarborough, Sr. who preceded her in death on April 17, 2004 after 50 years of marriage.
Mary was a graduate of Lucy Laney High School and went on to further her education at Paine College in Augusta, GA. She graduated from Paine College in Augusta, GA in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in English and minoring in Education. Upon graduation from college, Mary obtained an Elementary School Teacher license from the state of Georgia and taught in the Augusta, GA school system. Mary was a United States Army veteran. Mary honorably served our country in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), now known as the United States Army, from 1951 to 1954 in an ACTIVE DUTY status during the Korean War era. Mary was trained in Hospital Administration and stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. Mary received the National Defense Medal for her service in the Korean War era and an Honorable Discharge from the United States Women's Army Corps in 1954.
When her husband, Charles, Sr. retired from his final military duty station, U.S. Air Force at Grissom AFB, IN, and after being militarily stationed at a number of Air Force Bases across the United States and abroad, they moved their family to Kokomo, IN. After raising her children, she pursued her Master of Library (Information) Science degree attending classes via Ball State and Purdue Universities in West Lafayette, Indiana. Mary worked for 35-years as a Children's Librarian at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library retiring in 2004. Mary was regularly featured in Kokomo Tribune news articles during her professional career at the Kokomo Library and well-known for her dedication to both the students and teachers of Kokomo; Call-A-Story taped readings; Children's Summer Reading Club; and Children's Story Hours. She was active and well-regarded and recognized in the Kokomo School Corporation for developing Library Book collections for teachers on a regular basis. She selected five books for each of (her) children every week. Mary was also an active member of the Wayman Chapel AME Church serving in many capacities – Stewardess Board, Missionary Society, Children's Leader, Church Building Fund Raising, and Sunday School Teacher. She was awarded the "Women of Wayman Trailblazer Award". She was an active member of the Kokomo School Board Textbook Selection Commission; and involved in civically minded activities as Voting Poll Worker and Cub Scout Den Mother.
Mary loved art, literature, poetry, theatrical plays, gardening, boating, and fishing, and travel.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory children, Rhonda K. Scarborough, J.D. Washington, DC; Charles C. (Darlene) Scarborough, Jr Kokomo, IN; Cynthia M. Scarborough, Indianapolis, IN; Avistine Y. (Fabian Cook, Sr) Scarborough-Cook, Hinesville, GA; Richard M. (Robin) Scarborough, Nashville, TN; and Cecil X. (Natasha Brown) Scarborough, Lompoc, CA; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Charles Scarborough, Jr (son) and Cynthia Scarborough (daughter) were the dedicated caregivers for their mother, Mary, over the course of 20-years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings, Gladys Clark, Willie Joe Morris, Jerry Mixon, Elizabeth Hall, and Adam Grimes, II, Verdery Gilchrist Knights.
Funeral services celebrating Mary's homegoing will be at 11:00 am Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Wayman AME Chapel, 920 North Apperson Way, Kokomo, IN with Rev. William L. Gary officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 am until 11:00 am service time Saturday, Sep 2, 2023 at Wayman Chapel. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. The family requests that masks are to be worn for the visitation and funeral service. Flowers, cards, etc., may be sent Wayman AME Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Stout Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.
