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REV. LA DONNA SCRUGGS
LAKELAND - Rev. La Donna Scruggs completed her earthly journey on Sunday, February 12th 2017.
La Donna was born on the first of April, 1939. She grew to adulthood in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Edward and Mayme Loescher. From an early age La Donna demonstrated her concern and care for others and felt a call to ministry. As a teenager she worked as a camp counselor in a program for underprivileged children. She enrolled as a religion major at Transylvania University anticipating becoming a missionary to the Philippines. Her plans were put on hold when she met and married a classmate, Eugene Scruggs. At age 20, La Donna took a position teaching third grade in Dayton, Kentucky. She spent most of her paltry salary on lunches and shoes for underprivileged students. Later in Richmond, Kentucky, observing the inequities experienced by young Black children, La Donna and a friend began a summer activities program for them in what was then a 'Whites Only' park. Moving with her family to Temple Terrace, Florida, La Donna began to serve as media specialist in an elementary school where her story-reading was a big hit with the young students. She completed a Bachelor's of Library Science at the University of South Florida in 1978. She was later called as director of Christian education at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church. Seeking to learn more about care for the elderly, La Donna completed a Master's degree in Gerontology also at the University of South Florida. Finally, that first dream of being a minister was fulfilled when La Donna attended Columbia Theology Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. She was ordained in 1999 at the age of 60. She began her next level of service as the pastor for the Presbyterian Homes, a continuing care retirement community in Lakeland, Florida. Combining skills as gerontologist and spiritual guide, La Donna affected the lives of hundreds of residents and staff.
La Donna is survived by her husband, Gene and two daughters, Melana Scruggs (Bert Simmons) of Aurora, MO and Sabrina Scruggs (Oscar Diaz) of Tampa, FL, a sister, Patricia Hartleb (David) of Cincinnati, OH and four granddaughters, Lindsay Tyrrell, Alexandria Tyrrell, Erin Simmons and Shannon Simmons.
A celebration of the life of La Donna will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL. A reception to meet the family will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 2:30, followed by a memorial service at 3:30. Contributions in honor of La Donna may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 2590 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33881 or for 'The Loving Care Fund' at Florida Presbyterian Homes, 15 Lake Hunter Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803
Condolences may be sent to the family at:
www.heathfuneralchapel.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Our condolences to your family. Our family appreciated all of LaDonna's kind concern when our mom, who lived with our dad at the Presbyterian Homes, was hospitalized shortly before her death in 2009. LaDonna visited her often in the hospital, and then officiated at her memorial service, as well as our dad's a few years later. She was very sensitive to our wishes with both services, and we appreciated that very much. Again, our sincere condolences.
Beverly Reilly
March 15, 2017
Gene, I am so sorry to hear about La Donna.While you were here in Temple Terrace La Donna was always very kind to me.Doug Allen
February 28, 2017
Gene & Daughters & Extended Family..Our Deepest Sympathy to you and the family..We always thought very highly of La Donna,she always made us laugh..Our tribute is to LaDonna..Always remember when God made you He did so with a purpose and a plan..He saw your all your days before you lived one of them and placed over you the covering of His protective love..He has allowed nothing to come into your life that has not first been screened through that love.. He hand remained upon you to this very day..He called you by name..You answered His call..You are His beloved child,the apple of His eye,the delight of His heart..Today you are in the exact place He wants you to be.and tomorrow He will be with you as He has always been,in goodness,in kindness in faithfulness..So our special friend we know you will be very happy in your new home..Keep watch at the door for all of our arrivals..We love you and will miss you greatly,but most of all Welcome to your new home...With deepest Sympathy,Garry & Sherrie Cauble
Sharon Cauble
February 18, 2017
Gene and family, you have my thoughts and prayers.
David Lucas
February 16, 2017
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