Carolyn Joan Scruggs

May 16, 1946 - December 11, 2021

Carolyn J. Scruggs of Lenoir, N.C., passed away on December 11, 2021. She was born May 16, 1946, in Jacksonville, N.C., to Mary Polchik Sutherland and Morris Neal Sutherland. She was preceded in death by her parents and devoted husband of 49 years, Mack Scruggs. She is survived by her sister, Peg Palisano (John) of Sewanee, TN; brother, James Neal Sutherland (Suzanne) of Durango, CO; and nephew, Eric James Sutherland. Carolyn earned a B.A. degree from King College in Bristol, TN, and an M.A. degree from the University of Evansville, IN. After holding several career positions in municipal and association management, Carolyn accepted the directorship of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society in Charlotte, N.C., in 1985. As Executive Director she also supported the Mecklenburg County Dental and Pediatric societies. Carolyn also managed numerous physician-led public health services and association outreach activities for the Charlotte area. Carolyn and Mack were active supporters of Habitat for Humanity organizing and participating in many builds in the Charlotte area. Upon her retirement in 2011, they moved to their home in Lenoir, N.C. Carolyn was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the Lenoir Womans Club, and Caldwell Memorial Hospital, serving on the hospital's Board of Directors and worked at the gift shop as a volunteer for many years. Carolyn loved her friends, traveling, and visiting museums. She had a passion for history, especially the Civil War and World War II. She especially enjoyed workouts at the local gym, camping, reading and was an expert sudoku puzzler. Carolyn loved being in her beautiful mountain home with her four cats. There will be a memorial service in the spring of 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Lenoir, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi and the Caldwell County Humane Society.