Martha Scroggs

When Martha Coleman Carpenter Scroggs departed this life on February 21, 2023, at the age of 87, she left behind memories as lovely as those herself always treasured. She summarized her life as “... a series of memories; I have embraced and celebrated them all.” She will join her beloved husband John Weeks Scroggs and the many family members who have gone on before, especially her parents James Bernard and Lauree Ponds Carpenter. She leaves behind her daughter, Martha Coleman Scroggs Graham (Brian); two sons John Weeks Scroggs Jr. and Phillander “Phil” Pearsall Scroggs; granddaughters Rachel Pierce Scroggs, Patricia Alaine “Lainey” Scroggs, and Caroline Rutledge Graham; grandsons Coleman Adams Scroggs, and Luciano “Luke” Carpenter Graham; a brother Rutledge Bernard Carpenter; cousins Parks Motlow (Jan) and Lee Motlow (Bev); and her loving caregiver Freda Bennett.

A cradle Episcopalian, Martha grew up in St. Paul’s Church, and her love for the church demonstrated a lifelong commitment to both St. Paul’s, where she attended services, and to the Church of the Good Shepherd, where she taught in the pre-school division of the Episcopal Day School. As a native Augustan, she attended Mrs. Clark’s kindergarten and William Robinson School, both on William Street, before moving on to Mount Saint Joseph Academy for Girls and ultimately to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. There followed a teaching career of over 55 years at EDS (1956-2011), during which time she brightened the lives and provided a positive influence for multiple generations of Augustans who passed through her classroom, [pulling over a thousand teeth in the process]. As she frequently remarked, her charges at EDS taught her over and over again the eternal life lessons of cheerfulness, acceptance and forgiveness, so beautifully grounded in the innocence of childhood. In Martha’s own words, “I am grateful for so many things, for John, my children, grandchildren, and nurturing relationships with devoted friends. For the secrets I was told and kept, for the truly special people from all walks who touched my life, bringing constant joy and contentment. God was generous, and life was good.” She was a member of the Suburban Garden Club for 60 years where she made lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 10:00 am at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, with Rev. Eric Biddy officiating. Burial will follow in the church yard and afterward the family will receive guests in the River Room at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions may be made to Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 605 Reynolds Street, Augusta, GA 30901, or Episcopal Day School, 2248 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com