Reverend Doctor Mary Kent Carruth

The Reverend Mary Kent Carruth, PhD, of Austin, Texas passed away on September 8, 2023 at the age of 68. She was born on September 14, 1954 in New Orleans, Louisiana to parents Julian and Sidney Carruth.
Mary is survived by her brother, Gurucharan Khalsa (Carolyn Maxwell) and sister, Susan Carruth (Dennis Ryan), and her nephews and nieces, Siri Dyal Khalsa (Carla Ortiz), David Carruth Hulett, Sati Carruth McLafferty (Brian McLafferty), Kennon Hulett (Casey Krugman), and close friend Kitty Turner.
Mary grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and following her graduation from Benjamin Franklin High School, she graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. She became a licensed Physical Therapist and practiced physical therapy in various capacities over 25 years in St. Louis, Missouri, New Orleans, Louisiana and Richmond, Virginia with specialty expertise in spine therapy, industrial consulting, and industrial rehabilitation.
In 1983 she attended Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia and earned a PhD in Anatomy. She was awarded the A.D. Williams Fellowship in Anatomy and the Osterud Award in Anatomy while studying at MCV. She also had multiple research publications as the result of her PhD research and was an invited medical lecturer.
For 30 years she lived in Richmond and during that time she was the Director of Children and Family Ministry at Swift Creek Presbyterian Church, Director of Christian Education at New Hanover Presbyterian Church, Deacon at Third Presbyterian Church, Founder and Executive Director of All About Kids, Adjunct Faculty at the Medical College of Virginia and at John Tyler Community College. Mary was active in training and showing her various Golden Retrievers. She volunteered her time helping homeless cats and dogs, especially Golden Retrievers in the Southeastern Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training organization.
When Mary retired from working as a physical therapist, she attended Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota where she earned a Master of Divinity degree. After receiving her MDiv, Mary received a call to be an Associate Pastor at Community Presbyterian Church in Vacaville, California where she served for approximately 5 years.
Following her service at CPC, Mary retired and moved to Austin, Texas to be closer to family. While in Austin, she has been engaged in various volunteer capacities including the Caring Ministry and other volunteer roles at Northpoint Church, volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Travis County, and fostering orphaned kittens. Mary developed a passion and expertise for quilting and has shared her various quilts with many individuals and charities.
She had a strong faith throughout her life and devoted much time and effort to philanthropic projects. She mentored, encouraged and supported many youths and individuals, helping them to navigate difficult times and achieve educational goals.
The family appreciates the care and concerns, so generously offered by Mary's medical team and friends. There will be a celebration of life service at Christ Episcopal Church Covington at 129 N New Hampshire St, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 12 noon followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Festive attire encouraged.
Additional information will be available in a few days at
https://www.beckchapels.com/obituaries/Reverend-Doctor-Mary-Kent-Carruth?obId=28957095
Should you wish to honor Mary's memory, donations can be made to the
International Justice Mission https://www.ijm.org/give
Compassion International
https://compassion.com/marycarruth
Covenant House New Orleans
611 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
covenanthousenola.org
504-584-111