Mary Arnett Scroggins' Obituary
She is survived by daughter, Mary Arnett Dyke and her husband, Michael Wayne; son, Eugene Brian Scroggins and his wife, Lorrane; grandchildren, Joshua Brannon and his wife, Michelle, Caressa Arnett Gian and her husband, Christian, Jon-Marc Brannon and his wife, GiGi, Deena Minter and her husband, Adam, Daniel Scroggins; great-grandchildren, Justin Brannon, Madison Brannon, John Brannon, Grace Brannon, Elizabeth Brannon, Estella Gian, Emma Minter, Ryder Gian, Isabella Minter; niece, Melody Kay Scroggins; nephew, Daryl Scroggins; and other nieces and nephews. Born on September 12, 1932, Mary Arnett Scroggins was the only child of her loving parents at an early age, she had to develop strength and independence. As a young woman she dreamed of becoming a journalist; she even shared a class one year in high school with future CBS newscaster, Dan Rather. She cast that dream aside, however, when she fell in love with Eugene Scroggins. They were married July 12, 1951. But soon after, Mary again found herself having to be strong and independent again, when Eugene was sent to the front lines as a communications officer in the Korean Conflict. When he returned, her dream became to give herself to her husband, her children and her home. Even though her interest centered on family and home arts, she never lost interest in following civic and world events. She could knowledgeably discuss almost anything. Her deep faith in God, along with her life experiences, gave her strength during these difficult times. She loved God, and the many beauties of His creation. She also loved her husband and children immensely, sacrificing for their benefit, many creature comforts and luxuries that most of us take for granted. She love to give. That was one of her greatest joys. She frequently noticed people in need and took groceries to them. She loved to give gifts to those she loved, for special events, holidays or just no reason, other than love. Placing needs and concerns for others before her own, she never allowed herself to become bitter, jealous or resentful when faced with disappointments or hardships. Even in her last days, when faced with the loss of her husband of 55 years and her own painful decline, she was always more concerned with the suffering and needs of others more than her own pain, no matter how great it was. The last words she spoke were, “I love you.” This world’s loss is Heaven’s gain.
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