The dictionary defines a Southern Belle as "A beautiful and charming woman from the Southern United States. A Southern Belle possesses an undeniable natural charm, has a warm and dazzling smile, and impeccable manners, calling each person she encounters 'sir' or 'ma'am' regardless of their age or position. A Southern Belle can be recognized by her unforgettable Southern drawl, unstinting hospitality and graciousness, and her recognition as Football as a part of her religion. Southern Belles are recognized as one of God's greatest creations". Mr. Webster clearly knew Scottie Stauddy.
March 26, 1942, God smiled on Ripley, Mississippi. Scottie Sue Clark was the first born daughter of Methodist minister, Rev. Faban Clark and the lovely Mrs. Jewel Clark. Scottie played high school basketball and in her teen years welcomed her little sister, Jackie. The two would have a beautiful, unbreakable bond that turned into a friendship to be envied. Scottie proudly graced the doors of her daddy's church with barely a Sunday meeting missed. Hair coifed, pearls donned and lipstick applied. Little did she know, she would soon live the phrase "girls marry their daddies". And what a life it would be....
In August, 1961, Scottie met and married the love of her life. A future Captain in the Grenada police department, Jimmy Stauddy was beloved not only by his beautiful wife, but also by his Methodist congregation and basically anyone who came in contact with the soft spoken, pipe smoking gentleman. The two welcomed 2 children, Sonya and Scott, to whom Scottie happily dedicated every blister on her heels to.
Scottie gave half a century to the beautification of ladies in her community. She was a confidante, shoulder to cry on, friend and to so many, Scottie was a family member. Scottie Stauddy was the gracious, classy woman other women strove to emulate. And for good reason. She was exquisite.
In Scottie's later years, she added running and racing with her little sister and best friend, Jackie. Jackie describes her sister as the provider and always ready to go, whether it was to run, shop or hit the papers for couponing. Scottie was not only Jackie's sister and friend, but mentor. The days hitting the pavement would pay off when the curve balls started coming. Scottie was strong. Mentally, physically, but most importantly, in her faith in God. Hair coifed, pearls donned and lipstick applied, Scottie still graced the doors of the church as often as she could. God was her refuge. And he smiled on her regularly. Even in the storms.
Jimmy and Scottie's pride and joy were their children and soon grandchildren. Sonya and Scott inherited their momma's smile and southern charm, their daddy's tenacity and compassion. A mix of DNA that, as Sonya says "Rocks". That DNA was passed on to 6 beautiful grandchildren and 4 gorgeous great granddaughters. Not a bad group of folks to know. Not bad at all.
In August of 2016, we began the process of finding out what brain cancer looks like. Scottie never wavered with her class, graceful nature and that infectious smile. Jackie and Sonya rarely left her side. From watching the Rebels play to going on long walks, the aunt and daughter duo were nothing short of dynamic. A lot like the woman they cared for and loved so much.
In the last moments of her life, as Sonya lay next to her, praying The Lord's Prayer, vowing to stay and letting her mother know that it was ok to go, Mrs. Scottie Stauddy, hair coifed, pearls donned, listened to her daughter sing the chorus of a favorite hymn, On Holy Ground. As Sonya reached "and I know that there are angels all around", Scottie joined the band of angels, beginning the most beautiful and glorious run she'd ever experience.
A legacy is a mark we leave on the world. Scottie Stauddy not only left a mark, but a light. She lived with love and a purpose that resonates in the eyes of her sister, her children, grand children, great grandchildren and everyone who ever had the honor of a moment in the presence of her sweet spirit.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Scottie Stauddy was smiled on in the beginning and he certainly was smiling on her in the end.
May your eternal run be as glorious with the angels as your time here with us, Mrs. Scottie.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 15, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Grenada with Rev. Tom Potter officiating. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday evening and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

Survivors include her daughter, Sonya Stauddy Marks and her husband, Lt. Col. James A. Marks, Jr. of Panama City, FL; son, Robert Scott Stauddy and his wife, Connie Talley Stauddy of Decatur, AL; one sister, Jackie Clark Blue of Grenada; six grandchildren, Katie Petty Carmical, Kipper Greer, Tirzah-Beth Stauddy, Rene Stauddy, John Stauddy and Ryan Chase Petty; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Faban Clark and Mrs. Jewel Clark; and her husband, Rev. Jimmy Stauddy.
Pallbearers will be Scott Stauddy, Clark Blue, John Stauddy, Kipper Greer, Jerry Blue, Jason Carmical, Lt. Col. James A. Marks, Jr., and Ernest Petty. Honorary Pallbearers will be Johnny Grantham, Josh Dale, Willie Blackmon, Sanford Bennett, George Bailey, Jeff Pickle, Tracy Pickle, Larry Pickle, Bobby Yates, John Lavoi and Chase Petty.
Memorials may be directed to the Minter City United Methodist Church, C/O Mrs. Belva Pleasants, 459 County Road 420, Minter City, MS 38944 or First United Methodist Church in Grenada, 161 S. Line St., Grenada, MS 38901.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).