As the child of an inmate, Scottie experienced the pain of not having a father's love until she came to realize she was a responsibility her father didn't want. She grew up with the stigma of having an incarcerated parent. From the ages of four to forty-two, she searched for peace and hope. Finally, she and her father reconciled, and Scottie's love for God led her to find forgiveness in her heart. In 2000, she and her husband, Jack, established Forgiven Ministry, a non-profit organization, because they desired to follow God's divine plan and implement a prison ministry. Together, they have served faithfully for 22 years and have dedicated their lives to reaching inmates behind the walls and their children who live in the dark world of incarceration. Their hope is to give unconditional love and support to children, inmates, and their families through services and programs that will promote rehabilitation and the re-entry into society as productive citizens. Through their ministry volunteers who unselfishly share messages of love and forgiveness, bruised children can find peace and self-worth. On May 5, 2017, Scottie and Jack celebrated 45 years of marriage. Her two daughters have blessed her with six grandsons and three great-grandchildren. At age 70, Scottie is still passionate about seeing the ministry grow and giving more children hope. She has earned many awards and commendations: NC Volunteer of the Year for the Department of Corrections; Volunteer of the Year for Caldwell Correctional; Raleigh Correctional Center for Women; Volunteer of the Year for Alexander Correctional; certificate of appreciation from NC Gov. Mike Easley; Texas State Volunteer Award; and the Hope Award by the American Bible Society and World Magazine. She has been written about in numerous magazines and newspapers, and she has appeared on numerous television shows, including Dateline and Nightline. "The greatest reward of my life is to be part of a family coming to know Christ and to reconcile with each other."
