Birth date: Oct 9, 1947 Death date: Jan 12, 2023
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23:6 A woman of faith and determination to make a difference, Mrs. Carolyn C. Parker Scantlebury ente Read Obituary
Today, I let myself grieve for you. I didn't want to cry, but today I could not contain the tears. You will be missed immensely.
You always called me your little sister. You would introduce me as this is "Nitabeatta" my little sister. You were always the fire with the smile.
This morning I reflect on our last time together. It was Tuesday primary election day March 1, two days prior to you leaving for California on Thursday for Asa's birthday celebration.
First we talked on the phone and then I decided to come and visit with you while you were getting your hair done. We had a great conversation with your hair stylist and her other customers (mother/daughter) that were waiting to get their hair done. When the young ladies indicated they had not voted (of course we asked). We talked about the importance of voting. During our conversation you had this surreal peace about you. We both spoke to them in a calm manner, to try and encourage them to go vote. We talked about different perspectives with why the young people don't vote. You listen without challenging.
As we were walking to our cars. Something in my spirit told me this would be my last time seeing you alive. You said "I want to be there for his birthday" Something in my spirit told me you knew this might be the last birthday celebration.
I praise God that you are at peace. We may not have been biological sisters but we were kindred spirits.
In reading some of the Facebook posts. There were so many that you encouraged and they had a special place in your heart. Not just me and mine (oh how Nathaniel loved his Auntie Carolyn). You and he had a special bond. I remember the time; we lived in the same complex and we had a falling out and you came and knocked at my door and said Donnie "miss his NaNa". Nathaniel was almost 2/3 at the time. From that point forward. We were the best of friends. You and Donnie always included, Nathaniel. You were always everyone's #1 cheerleader; 100% loyal/supportive. Sometimes to a fault, and that was good as well.
With all of the love you gave to others. Your love for your family (Donnie, Noah, Asa, and Ava Camille) is insurmountable!!!! They are truly blessed to have you as a mother and grandmother.
Your homegoing celebration was absolutely beautiful. I know you were in awe (screaming) with all of the people and beautiful flowers and words of encouragement.
Rest my dear sister rest in God's perfect peace.
Mrs. Anita Martins
Friend
January 31, 2023
Carolyn was a force of nature. Nothing stopped her including rules ! One of my most memorable nights was when she had me "sneak" in to the wedding reception for Pastor Kirbyjohn and Suzanne Caldwell. I was invited to the wedding ,but not the reception. Their guest lista was just too long. I was okay with going home. The ceremony was beautiful and I was happy. Besides my 4 inch hells were killing me! But Carolyn as a member of the Executive Committee at Windsor Village was invited to both! She insisted I accompany her to the reception. So as we arrived,Carolyn said," Just walk fas like you are in a hurry and nobody will stop you. Besides,you are dressed up in your "Needless Markup" (Neiman Marcus) outfit. Everybody will assume you are important!" About 20 minutes later ,I was sitting on the couch with Pastore Suzettes's mother chatting up a storm and rubbing our aching feet! Over the years Carolyn literally dragged me to countless events. Everybody know I dont like meetings of any kind. I will work. I just dont want to talk or meet about it. So Carolyn would just call me for various volunteer events,and I showed up! She even had me campaigning for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on the Northside. I visited several churches one Sunday on the Representatives behalf! Carolyn said I had a gift for gab and could sell ice to an Eskimo! So I went and was a hit.
Carolyn and I traveled to the Chicago Gospel Festival to see Walt Whitman choir perform. There were 4 of us including my daughter and Joyce Pellrin,teacher from Lamar High School. We were only there for the weekend but we had enough luggage for a month. When our rental car came,they had to send it back for a bigger car. And still everyone had luggage in their lap except me because I was driving! We had a blast! However it got hot that afternoon. Our hair was drooping and we were sweating. I was at the concession stand drinking anything they had. We returned to our hotel room and took a nap. We woke up,got cute again and ended a great night at the festival. Walt Whitman was so much fun!
I have a book worth of stories about escapdes with Carolyn. But some things nobody needs to know except the two of us! Just know that Carolyn lived her life with her foot on the pedal! Rest for now my friend. I will see you later but for right now,I have assignments to finish. Keep whispering in my ear. I hear you!
Carolyn and I met at the Prayer Altar at Windsor VillagUMC. One week earlier I had been diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer. As I was crying she asked me what was wrong. I told her that I had been given the diagnosis and that I was going to die. Her reply,"You will be alright." So I thought she did not hear me correctly. So I repeated what I said. Her reply,I heard exactly what you said.AND I say you are going to be alright! That was 33 years ago. Obviously she knew what she was talking about but for 3 years of cancer treatment including 36 chemo treatments and multiple surgeries,she never left my side. She made sure my daught,Andrea had lunch money and got to all school events. If I wouldn't eat at M.D. Anderson,they called Carolyn. Once she saw my food tray she said,"I am going to 3rd Ward and get you some food." Our friendship was born at the altar of prayer and prayer sustained us. Her illness was a blow I have not recovered from. I saw her as invincible. She was my source of strength. She knew my heart and my mind. My life will forever be changed by her death. But she is FREE from pain and misery. Tonight My grandson and I will light a Chinese candle to represent her as she ascends to heaven. Rest in Peace Carolyn!
Carolyn called me mr politics and was one of my mentors. Always had uplifting words to me. We must continue the work as she would want! Art
Ms. Carolyn was instrumental in my life at TSU. She was so warm and encouraging whenever I was down or feeling like I couldn't make it through. Any time she saw me she stopped what she was doing to check in on me and tell me a kind word. She probably had no idea how much I needed that and she was always there just at the right time. When I think of her I feel warm and remember her smile with one of my own.
Condolences to Donnie, family & friends. It's hard to say goodbye to a wonderful person who touched so many lives. Thank you for making Focused Care a family. We appreciate all you've done. I love you and will miss you dearly. Until we see you again, rest in peace & power. 💗
My dear friend, and 2nd mother figure of Houston. I was saddened to hear of your passing. You just slid out of here. We made a way when there was no other way especially, to help the people of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. We were appointed for that assignment through The WorkSource to lead that program to help find people from NOLA who were displaced from NOLA to elevate them to continue on their journey in life. We spent countless hours interviewing, attending meetings and helping out the people whenever we could with resources to be successful. At times, it got emotional for both of us. We would lift each other up and we developed a bond and friendship that was dear to both of us. You would say in the meetings, “if you can’t find a way, make a way.” We would have conversations about your family the heartbeat of your life and I would have conversations about my family with you. The last photo I really cherished was a photo with you at your retirement party. You were so happy. I will miss those phone calls, text messages and you keeping me updated about things that I should be aware of or become a part of in the future. Take your rest my dear friend, your love and light will continue to shine through your family and in every life you touched. Miss you Ms. Carolyn Scantlebury!
To her family,
Hold on to the love she spread and her commitment to put others first.
My condolences to Donnie and the entire family. May God’s Love bring you comfort throughout this time and the years to come.
Maria Adkins (Dirden)🙏🏽
My deepest condolences to Donnie and the family. Carolyn always brought a bright light to any space she entered. We met through church and we'd share our 'only son' stories. Always greeted me with a big hug and a smile. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
My sincere condolences to Donnie and the many friends and family members of Carolyn Scantlebury. I remember her fondly, being a mother figure and support for SO many of us during our time at HSPVA and as developing members of the community. She was a FORCE, modeling for us all how to be civic minded, informed, confident, and driven. I am so grateful to have known her. Rest in peace and power.♥️💐
