Patricia Carolyn (Carol) White Scarberry, age 78, of Memphis, TN passed away on March 29, 2024 after a long battle with brain cancer. She was born on August 29, 1945 in the small community of Woodville in Lauderdale County, TN. She is preceded in death by her parents, Emmett Monroe and Ona Mai White, her beloved husband of 37 years, Floyd Nelson Scarberry, and several of her siblings, Ona “Marie” White (Harold) Furr, Emmett Monroe “EM” (Betty) White, Jr., and Lackey Ray “Joe” (Shelia) White.
Carol is survived by her siblings Mary Geneva “Ginny” White (Russell) Frisbie, Robert Harold (Joyce) White, Dorothy Dean White (Donald) Hundley, and Bonnie “Faye” White (Gene) Braden, and her step children John Edward (Cathie) Scarberry and Wendy Lee Scarberry Renfroe.
Carol was the youngest of 8 children in a very close knit family. She was raised on the family farm located about 10 miles outside of Ripley, TN. From her early days of picking cotton, Carol learned the value of hard work. Floyd would joke that “Rome wasn’t built in a day because the White sisters weren’t there!”
Carol graduated from Halls High School in 1963. After high school, she attended Cosmetology School in Memphis while living with her sister, Dorothy, and brother-in-law, Donald. After graduation from Cosmetology School, Carol started working at Carolyn’s Hair Salon. After 6 years working, Carol purchased 1/3 interest in it. She took over full interest when the original owner, Carolyn Ferguson, retired. Carol owned the salon until 2005 when the doors were closed after 50 years. Carol then worked for Gould’s until she retired in 2018.
Carol was an active member of the Tennessee Hairdressers Association serving as the President in 1974. Many of Carol’s family and friends served as live models for the shows she produced showing the latest hairstyles. Carol’s family had perfect hair due to her talent and generosity with haircuts, perms, and color.
Carol met Floyd when he rode into town on his motorcycle for his Uncle’s wedding, who was marrying one of Carol’s hairdressers. Floyd came to Carol’s salon wearing his riding leathers, met Carol, and instantly fell in love with her. Floyd’s nickname for Carol was “Little One” as Carol was petite. It took Carol a little longer to return the feeling, but Floyd was able to woo her. They were married at Central Christian Church on May 5, 1984.
Carol and Floyd were active members of Central Christian Church. She was the driving force behind the success of Central’s annual fundraiser, An Autumn Evening in Central Gardens. She obtained the majority of the 200 silent auction items each year for the event. Central said that “Carol could sell ice in Iceland”. No one could resist her stunning smile, gorgeous blue eyes, and beautiful blond hair. Carol served as Central’s Membership and Fellowship Chairman, President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, and Service Director.
Carol’s biggest regret was that she didn’t have any children. Yet, her legacy of love, generosity, hospitality, joy of life, and service is passed on to her beloved nieces and nephews. These include Rebekah Pope, Rachel Pringle, Denise Eskridge, Kenneth White (deceased), Anita Beiber, Tommy White, Beth Hall, Lackey White, Carissa White, Billy White, Norman Frisbie, Harold Braden (deceased), David Braden, Michael Braden (deceased) and Bonnie Hood.
Carol will be missed. Generous donations to Rachel’s Kids (www.rachelskidsinc.org) or Central Christian Church (www. cccmemphistn.org) made in her memory is a wonderful way to honor her.
