Joyce Ann Scarborough's Obituary
Joyce Ann Scarborough, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2nd, at the age of 86. Born in McKinney, Texas, on May 14, 1938, to William S. Rudolph and Rosa Pitman Rudolph, she was the 12th of 13 siblings.
Growing up in the country, Joyce attended church regularly and developed a strong faith. She mostly played with the youngest of all her siblings, Leon, Sara, and Geneva, as most of her older siblings were establishing their careers and families. Her family moved to Dallas in 1948. Joyce later became a member of Hampton Road Baptist Church in DeSoto, where she attended church regularly until she was no longer able to do so. She enjoyed listening to praise and worship music each Sunday and visiting with her friends and pastor.
Joyce married Joseph Tarrant, Sr., in 1956, and from that union, they had four children: Debra, Joe, Jr., Al, and Cynthia. She later married Lonnie Scarborough in 1985, and they were married for 31 years at the time of his passing.
Joyce was a dedicated worker, always putting her children first to support them in all they did. She held various jobs throughout her life, including at Pardue Candy Company and Gifford Hill. She retired from Gifford Hill after 25+ years of service.
Joyce was a faithful and devoted mother and grandmother to all her children and grandchildren. She was known for her giving and beautiful soul. In her free time, Joyce found great joy in quilting. She made quilts for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and even donated many hand-made quilts to the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas. She was also a passionate traveler, often taking trips with her sisters, Virgie and Sara; brother, Leon and his wife Patsy, as well as her nieces, Nita, and her husband, Joe and Betty Ruth and JR.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Debra Brooks (Heinz), Joe Tarrant, Jr., and Al Tarrant (Denise); 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brother, Leon Rudolph; sisters, Virgie Pardue and Sara Thomas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia Gammill; husband, Lonnie Scarborough; and siblings, Wilburn Rudolph, Catherine Rice, Dora Stice, Rudy Rudolph, Velta Bone, Leoma Bray, William Rudolph, Jr., Weldon Rudolph, and Geneva Stapleford.
Memorial contributions in memory of Joyce Scarborough can be made to Childrens Health, referencing Camp Moss, a pediatric heart camp for children with life threatening heart disease. Attn: Mellissa Myers, Childrens Health, Heart Center, 1935 Medical District Drive, Dallas, 75235.
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