Lucille Cunningham Scruggs

Lucille Cunningham Scruggs was born April 22, 1926 in Santos, Florida, to the late Leroy and Ruby (Thomas) Cunningham. At an early age, she accepted Jesus as her Savior and attended Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where she served with other family members. She attended the public schools of Marion County, Florida. Upon graduating from Howard Academy High School, she attended Florida Normal College in St. Augustine, Florida, known today as Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida. There, she received a degree in elementary education in order to pursue her interest in teaching. In 1950, Mother Scruggs arrived in Pompano Beach, FL, to teach at the Pompano Project School in the Farm Labor Camp. She later taught at Sanders Park Elementary School, from which she retired after teaching for 37 years. Also, in the 1950s, Mother Scruggs joined Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully until her health started to fail. As a dedicated member of Mount Calvary, she served as church clerk, member of the Board of Christian Education, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher for preschoolers, member of the finance team, chairperson of the church’s benevolence ministry, chairperson of the Gateway Community Outreach Food Program, member of the Missionary Society, where she served as educational circle chairperson, and member of the women’s ministry, where she served as a group leader. In 2010, Mount Calvary endowed Lucille Cunningham Scruggs with the distinct title “Mother of the Church”. In addition to serving her church, Mother Scruggs served the community through her participation with the Federated Women’s Club, member of the Friends of the Pompano Beach Library, the Advisory Board at St. Lawrence Chapel, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Xi Phi Zeta Chapter. In recognition of her community service and volunteer excellence, on March 10, 2010, she was elected to the Broward County Senior Hall of Fame. Upon election to the Senior Hall of Fame, Mother Scruggs stated, “I am happy with my life and the service I have given and hope to continue to give as long as life lasts.” She continued to volunteer for as long as she was able. On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, Mother Scruggs, 94, received her eternal reward. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harris Scruggs; three brothers, Albert, James, and Leroy Cunningham. She leaves to cherish her memory devoted family members and close friends: a loving daughter, Charlene Edwards Honeywell, of Tampa, Florida; a step-daughter, Joan Gillis Sheffield (Albert), of Miami, Florida; a sibling, Arthur Cunningham, of Ocala, Florida; grandchildren, Brenton Honeywell, of Phoenix, Arizona, Brianna Honeywell, of Tampa, Florida; and step-granddaughters, Kira Price and Kia Gillis, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and sorrowing friends.

Lucille Cunningham Scruggs

April 22, 1926 - June 3, 2020