Ellen "Jane" Scarboro

Ellen "Jane" Scarboro, 76, of Burkemont Ave., Morganton, NC passed away Monday, March 22, 2010 at Valdese Hospital following a courageous and arduous battle with lung cancer. Jane was born May 15, 1933 in Albemarle, NC and was the daughter of George and Georgia Whitley. Her adoring husband of 54 years, Joseph Phillip "Jay" Scarboro and her brother, Lonnie Whitley, preceded her in death.Jane worked many years at Shadowline until her retirement in 1996, when she began filling her "free time" by running J & J Vending as well as Scarboro Fair. For the past 10 years, Jane has been a hostess at Timberwood Family Restaurant. She was also an active member of Salem United Methodist Church and the Women’s Methodist Union, working closely with the youth in her younger years.On most any day, you could find Jane working hard during the day at Timberwood Family Restaurant where she not just worked, but where she found her second family. She became known to many as "Mama Jane," a name she absolutely loved as much as she loved her "children" there. She found immense joy in simply surrounding herself with people and knew the true meaning of service, as she rolled up her sleeves and dug her hands in every single day, taking every opportunity she had to provide for others.Once in a while, we run across people who touch our hearts tremendously, who make an impact on us daily. "Mama Jane" was one of those amazing, one-of-a-kind people who never met a stranger and one who was tremendously loved. Leaving her mark everywhere she ventured, she became and mother and grandmother to many, but a blessing to all.Those left to cherish her memory are sons, Phillip C. Scarboro and wife, Denise, Michael D. Scarboro and wife, Deana, all of Morganton; loving granddaughters, Jordan and Jena Scarboro; sisters, Margaret Ann McDougal and husband, Dave, of Irmo, SC, Mary Walls and Nancy Whiteside of Albemarle, NC; a sister-in-law, Grace Sexton and husband, Ray, of Thomasville, NC; a brother-in-law, Charles "Whitley" Whiteside of Morganton; a number of nieces and nephews; and her adorable, furry friend, Felix.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Conforti officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 1206 Salem Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.