Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada for Mrs. Lois Delores Barber Scarborough, 84, of Grenada, who died peacefully at her residence on Thursday, May 29. Burial followed in Coffeeville Cemetery. Dr. Brent Barker and the Rev. J. Barry Worrell officiated. The family received friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Delores was born on Sept. 16, 1940, in Stantonville, Tenn., the daughter of the late Murray Frank Barber Sr. and the late Bonnie Mae Plunk Barber. A dedicated lifelong learner, she graduated from Adamsville High School and Northeast Mississippi Community College. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn., and later received master’s degrees from both Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Delta State University.
With a passion for education, Delores devoted 34½ years to teaching mathematics in various school systems across Tennessee and Mississippi including Huntingdon, Tupelo, Marks, Crowder, Philadelphia, Coffeeville and Grenada. She also served on the faculties of Holmes Community College and Mississippi Delta Community College where she continued to inspire students with her commitment and wisdom. She continued to teach beyond the school day at the family’s dining room table where she tutored numerous individuals. She enjoyed the continued fellowship with educators as a member of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Delores was deeply devoted to Christian ministry, working faithfully alongside her husband, the Rev. Truman D. Scarborough, in every church he pastored: Zion Baptist Church (Pontotoc), Crowder Baptist Church, East Philadelphia Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Coffeeville, Pine Grove Baptist Church and Pine Hill Presbyterian Church. She taught Sunday School, led GA and Bible drill groups for more than 20 years, participated actively in WMU and Baptist Women, and lent her voice as an alto in multiple church choirs.
A dual member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada and Pine Grove Baptist Church near Coffeeville, Delores found joy in fellowship through the Rachel DuBard/Nadean Waddle Baptist Women’s Group where she served as president and taught Sunday school. She also spent more than 31 years as a dedicated member and leader in the Coffeeville Women’s Progressive Study Club.
Above all, Delores was the embodiment of grace, compassion and service — a model pastor’s wife, and a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She will long be remembered by her friends, family and former co-workers for her delicious coconut cakes and chicken and dressing.
In addition to her parents, one sister, Geraldine Barber, and one brother, Murray Frank Barber Jr., preceded Delores in death.
Survivors include, her beloved husband of 56 years, the Rev. Truman D. Scarborough; two daughters, Aletha S. Simpson (Gilbert) of Scobey and Hannah S. Ferguson of Coffeeville; four cherished granddaughters, Lauren Simpson, Haley Ferguson, Anna Ferguson and Emma Grace Simpson; one sister, Maylene Barber of Jackson, Tenn.; one brother, Neal Ray Barber of Jackson, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Dean Barber of Powder Springs, Ga., and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers honoring Delores were Bryant Douglas, Gaylon Gray, Jake Harrison, Josh Harrison, Phil Harrison, David Simpson, Jeff Simpson and Mike Swanson. The men of Pine Grove Baptist Church and Pine Hill Presbyterian Church served as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to any of the churches where Delores and Bro. Truman faithfully served.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
