Wife, mother, sister, Scout leader, mentor, friend and confidante were some of the words used to describe the phenomenal woman that was Sharon Scott.
After a sudden deterioration in her health, Sharon sadly passed away on October 11.
Her husband, Scotty, son Barry and daughter Bev mourn the loss of their wife and mother, but redirected their grief to reminisce about the woman she was.
Sharon became a Scout leader when her son, Barry joined the Cub Scouts in Sasolburg.
In 1981, the family moved to Newcastle and Sharon continued on her journey of moulding young lives after joining the 3rd Newcastle Scout Group.
“Last year, my mother celebrated her 40th year with the Scouts, a milestone she was proud of and honoured to have had a hand in the development of little people,” said Barry.
Sharon progressed through the leadership of ranks in The Scout Movement and became what is known as an Akela – the top leader in a pack of young Cubs.
“She was an Akela for many years before stepping down to take a secondary role. She was given the name Baloo. Together with scout leader, Linda Gale, the two kept the group strong,” said Bev.
As a Scout leader, Sharon had through the generations mentored Cub boys who now have their own children, who she also mentored.
At the news of her death, the family was overwhelmed with messages from people who knew Sharon and who she had impacted and influenced in a positive way.
“Mom has always had a big network of friends and she also ran a home industry business, which allowed arts and crafts to be sold.
“She also ran art classes and was actively involved in the Women’s Institute and other volunteer groups.”
Behind the scenes, Sharon helped many single parents cope with motherhood and became a guide to them too.
“She was outgoing, friendly and loved children. Every Wednesday, she would have a sewing class with a group of women where they would enjoy a cup of tea and each other’s company,” said Bev.
The family remembers Sharon for her great sense of humour and being a sport when it came to Cub camps and family outings.
“I was a member of the boat club and Sharon would come along with me and do a bit of fishing,” recalled Scotty.
Scotty and Sharon would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary next year, but Scotty said he was blessed to have spent 49 of those years with his beloved wife.
“We had memorable holidays overseas as a family. Mom loved history and castles. She enjoyed visiting Rome, England and Ireland,” said Bev and Barry.
Barry and Bev have both lived overseas for more than 20 years now.
“The greater part of our adult life, we communicated with our parents through electronic media and we would see them every second year, and they would come visit us and meet our friends and had the opportunity to see the world,” recalled Bev.
The fondest memory Scotty has of Sharon were the quiet moments they enjoyed as a couple, relaxing on a Sunday, watching sport or exploring the outdoors.
“We are also thankful to have made many friends in Newcastle.”
Sharon’s memorial service took place on October 19, where family and friends gathered to bid her farewell.
Linda Gale had the following message as a close friend of Sharon:
“On behalf of the 3rd Newcastle Scout Group and Northern KwaZulu-Natal District, thank you Sharon Scott (Akela/Baloo) for your enthusiasm, dedication, mentorship and love you have given to everyone that came across your path.
“There was always fun and laughter and an abundance of funny stories about antics at camp, meetings and Cub meetings.
“Sharon, you were stern but fair with a lot of love and patience mixed in between. You have left a legacy in all the Cubs, Scouts, Scouters and parents who were privileged to know you and be guided by you.
“I promise to do my best to do my duty to God and my country to keep the law of the Wolf Cub Pack and do a good turn to somebody every day.”
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