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John Clarence "Skeepie" Scarborough III
1937 - 2020
FUNERAL HOME
John Scarborough Obituary
September 14, 1937 - November 7, 2020
Durham
John Clarence "Skeepie" Scarborough, III, is a native of Durham, North Carolina. He is the fourth generation member of the Scarborough Family to lead the legendary Scarborough and Hargett Funeral Home. In 1888, Joseph Crooms Hargett formed a partnership with John Clarence Scarborough, Sr. in Kinston, North Carolina. The company moved to Durham, North Carolina in 1906. Its long-standing motto: "A Dignified Service in a Sympathetic Way" epitomizes the pride felt by the community when Scarborough and Hargett opened its doors. J. C. "Skeepie" III has embraced this motto as a guiding principle in his professional, business, civic, and social endeavors.
"Skeepie" Scarborough is the son of the late John C. Scarborough and Hattie Strong Scarborough, and the grandson of John C. Scarborough, Sr. and Daisy E. Hargett Scarborough, daughter of John C. Hargett, co-founder of the funeral home. J. C. "Skeepie" Scarborough, III has been an integral part of the administration of the business his entire adult life. The company's leaders representing four generations have been: J. C. Scarborough, Sr.; J. C. Scarborough, Jr.; Mrs. Ernestine Hargett Scarborough-Bynum; and J. C. Scarborough, III.
J. C. "Skeepie" Scarborough, III completed his elementary education at Whitted Elementary School. He attended Hillside High School for a short seven weeks, then enrolled at Westtown Prep School, 1952-55, in Westtown, Pennsylvania, a secondary residential school associated with Cheney State College (now Cheney University) in Cheney, PA. "Skeepie" completed his high school education in 1956, after transferring to Palmer Memorial Institute, in Sedalia, North Carolina. He began his college education at Ohio State University in Athens, Ohio (1956-58). He transferred to North Carolina Central University to complete his undergraduate education. He graduated from NCCU in 1960 with the Bachelor of Science degree. He continued his education at Eckels College of Mortuary Science (an affiliate of Temple University) from which he graduated in 1961.
Mr. Scarborough, III, has an exemplary record of public service, which is reflective of his many present and former volunteer memberships and leadership positions on boards and associations. Some, though, not inclusive of all are: Board of Directors, Mechanics and Farmers Bank; Board of Directors, St. Joseph's Heritage Foundation; Board of Directors, Daisy E. Scarborough Homes, Inc., Executive Committee, Occheneechee Council, Boys Scouts of America; Board of Directors, WAFER Radio Station; Human Relations Committee; Durham Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman, Recreation Advisory Board, City and County of Durham; Board of Directors, NCCU Foundation; Board of Directors, Operation Breakthrough; Board of Directors, John Avery Boys' and Girls' Club; Board of Directors , Durham YMCA; Board of Directors, United Durham, Inc.; Assistant Boy Scout Master, Trooper #37; Assistant Explorer Advisor, Boy Scouts of America, St. Joseph's AME Church; and Chairman of Junior Steward Board, and Assistant Vice Chairman of Steward Board, St. Joseph's AME Church.
Cherishing his memory are his devoted wife Queen M. Scarborough; two children, Scottie and Tonya; grandchildren, Terrell, Tiaira, Samuel, Logan and Tyler; mother-in-law, Retha T. Marable; brother-in-law, Floyd Marable (Draper); sisters-in-law, Anna M. Gee (Willis) and Aretha M. Cunningham (Curtis); cousins, Sylvia Strong Wiggins, Yvonne Thompson, Brian Hargett Greene and Nathaniel E. Hargett, III; God sisters, Shirley Caesar and Melvina Parker; extended family members, employees and countless friends.
A celebration of "Skeepie's" life will take place as follows:
Visitation and Viewing:
Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc
309 N Queen Street
Durham, N.C. 27701
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020
12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.,
Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020
12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. and
Funeral Service:
St. Joseph AME Church
2521 Fayetteville Street
Durham, N.C. 27707
Friday, November 20, 2020
Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
Service: 11:00 a.m.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.scarboroughhargett-celebration.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Scarborough
Sponsored by Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc..
William McClain
October 29, 2023
While I was born in 1952,Brother Skeepie was matriculating his college and Mortuary Science education, I loss my mother, Helen at the age of 2,she was put into the expert care of Mr John C. Scarborough, Skeepie's wonderful Father. I remember while growing up in the Durham NC community, and watching Skeepie conduct services and deploy his professionalism. As a role model for Success, I wanted to be just like him. Thank Your Beautiful Family for sharing you with Us. Love Always, William McClain, Oakland, California
Carolyn LaMay Smith George
November 1, 2022
When I was 14 my mother sent me to Durham to live with my aunt & uncle , Joseph ,& Lucible Taylor. One of my dearest friends and "older like brother" was Skeepie. His warm, kind manner and comforting smile I will cherish always. May his family be blanketed in warm memories.
Corliss Reddrick Parson
January 3, 2021
It has saddened me to hear of Skeepie’s death. As a child growing up I remember Skeepie along side with his father to render services for the many patients down through the years at Lyon Rest Home in which my grandmother Loviney “Viney”Lyon was owner in Hickstown. He and his family had been longtime friends of the Lyon, Johnson family. The last time I saw Skeepie was at a service he was conducting. He always gave that loving hi and bright smile. Skeepie will truly be missed by the Durham families and Community. My prayers are with his wife, Scotty, sister and family.
Lovingly submitted by
Pooh’s sister-Corliss Reddrick Parson in Fayetteville, NC.
Corliss Reddrick Parson
January 3, 2021
It has saddened me to hear of Skeepie’s death. As a child growing up I remember Skeepie along side with his father to render services for the many patients down through the years at Lyon Rest Home in which my grandmother Loviney “Viney”Lyon was owner in Hickstown. He and his family had been longtime friends of the Lyon, Johnson family. The last time I saw Skeepie was at a service he was conducting. He always gave that loving hi and bright smile. Skeepie will truly be missed by the Durham families and Community. My prayers are with his wife, Scotty, sister and family.
Lovingly submitted by
Pooh’s sister-Corliss Reddrick Parson in Fayetteville, NC.
Corlys Baird Ballou
November 27, 2020
Queen, my brother just informed me of the passing of your beloved husband. I offer my sincere condolences with prayers that God will give you the strength and comfort that you need. Continue to lean on Him at this dark period in your life.
Carolyn LaMay Smith George
November 22, 2020
To Queen & family,
My condolences on your loss. May warm memories sustaín you.
arthur B Boyd Jr. MD
November 19, 2020
TO QUEEN AND THE FAMILY OF JAMES"SKIPPY" SCARBAROUGH III,MY SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES AT THE LOST OF YOUR LOVED ONE.
SKIPPY WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY THOSE OF US, NATIVE TO DURHAM.
HE WAS A NUTURER TO US YOUNGER ONES.
GOD HAS CALLED HIM HOME. HE WILL REST IN PEACE.
SINCERELY,
REV. DR. ARTHUR "MUTT" BOYD JR. MD, FICS
SHAKER HEIGHTS,OHIO
Lorene Marable-Safavinia
November 17, 2020
Skeepie was truly a kind man. It's evident by all the kind things people remember him by. My cousin Queen LaVon was devoted to her husband and so happy when she was working with him. He seemed to be so proud of her when she was handling everything. They were a match made by God. I wish I had known him like everyone else did. He will be missed by his state, city, church, and most of all by his family.
Cynthia A Hawley
November 17, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Anita Taylor
November 16, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Mr. Scarborough. We will keep the family at the altar of prayer, asking God to give you comfort and peace during this time. May He forever bless and keep you.
Past District III Governor
Cynthia A Hawley
November 16, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
November 14, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of John. May you be comforted by our loving God during this very sad time, John 3:16.
Tara Glasper
November 12, 2020
I sadden to hear the news of Mr. John Skeepie Scarborough III. The one thing that I will always remember is that he would always greet you with a hello and a smile.
He will be missed.
Theodore Brooks, DDS, MPH
November 10, 2020
I was saddened to hear of Skeepie's passing. What struck me most about him was his willingness to go out of his way to help another.
Theodore Brooks, DDS, MPH
November 10, 2020
I was saddened to hear of Skeepie's passing. What struck me most about him was his willingness to go out of his way to help another.
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Memorial Events
for John Scarborough
Nov
18
Visitation
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc.309 N Queen Street, Durham, NC 27701
Nov
19
Visitation
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc.309 N Queen Street, Durham, NC 27701
Funeral services provided by:
Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc.309 N Queen Street, Durham, NC 27701
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