Carol Goodman Scott

Carol Goodman Scott, 69, of Lynchburg, VA, died Wednesday, May 28, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Kay Scott, her parents Stuart Edward and Erma Sue Mills Goodman, and her sister Sharon Goodman Cassidy.

She is survived by her three sons: Brian Scott and his wife, Linette, of Rocklin, CA, Keith Scott and his wife, Roxanna, of Mechanicsville, VA, and Eric Scott and his wife Amy, also of Mechanicsville, VA. She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren, Robert, Rebecca, Emma, Katherine, Marissa, Keith, Robert, and Caroline.

Born July 15, 1944 in Lashmeet, WV, Carol grew up modestly, knowing that family was the most important thing in life. She met her husband at 4H Camp when they were young teenagers, and they were married in 1963. When Bob passed away in April of 1977, he left her with three boys, 7 year old twins and a 2 year old. Carol chose to live her life as an example of perseverance and strength, never allowing Bob’s death to be an excuse for her or her sons to not succeed. After receiving her Nursing Diploma from the Lynchburg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1965, she worked as a nurse in the hospital operating room. During Bob’s last days, he encouraged her to continue to pursue further education and professional growth. After his passing, she moved her family to Radford, VA, where she received her Bachelors of Nursing Degree in 1980. She then relocated the family again to Austin, TX, where she received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Texas in 1982. Afterwards, she returned to Lynchburg, where she joined the faculty of the Lynchburg General Hospital School of Nursing where she taught until she retired in 2009.

While raising her boys, she never missed an athletic event, band concert, or any important event, even if it meant traveling from Lynchburg to Annapolis, MD, within a twelve hour span to be present for both Eric’s first varsity football game and Brian and Keith’s Drum and Bugle Corps competition. She volunteered to coach the Vista Acres Swim Team despite the fact that she didn’t know how to swim herself. She was a force to be reckoned with, who also possessed a heart of gold. Her students revered her, not only as a mentor, but also as a role model and friend. She loved each of them in her own way, never allowing their frustrations, fears, or consequences to cause them to quit. Long after they would leave her classroom, they would continue to seek her out for advice and friendship.

Aside from her children, Carol’s grandchildren were her main source of joy and pride. She never hesitated to share stories and pictures of them with anyone, whether she knew them or not. Likewise, her grandchildren adored her in return. Her friends loved her dearly, and were considered part of her family. They have supported each other through the best and worst moments in their lives, and Carol had a special place for each of them in her heart.

Carol lived her life as an example of how we all should, demonstrating that no matter what difficulties life presents, you have a choice to be a victim of the circumstances or become a champion by overcoming the obstacles.

The family will receive friends at the Lynchburg Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory at 3 pm on Wednesday, June 4th.   The funeral service will follow at 4 pm with Chaplain Wayne Lanham officiating. On Thursday, June 5th, a graveside service will be held at the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, WV at 1 pm.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Centra College of Nursing, Carol Scott Scholarship Fund, c/o the Centra Foundation, 1920 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, Va 24501

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting: obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.