Latricia Allen Scruggs enjoyed living life to the fullest and genuinely connecting to the people and world around her. She gave her life to Christ at a young age at Rock of Ages Baptist Church and was a faithful servant and devoted Christian. She was a true warrior; tenacious, strong, inspiring, and a beacon of light for all who crossed her path. Fortunately, God blessed many people through Tricia. She set a positive example for her family and friends through her leadership and no-nonsense approach to life. Her fighting, warrior-like spirit was held onto until the very end. She fought her battle in true Tricia style – like only Tricia could do. She was a true example of the motto “Always do the right thing,” and would always utter this phrase to her family and friends.
Tricia was born on May 19, 1971, in Maywood, Illinois, to Charles D. Allen and Carolyn J. Hill. From a young age, she would read to her preschool class. She was very articulate and did not hesitate to correct others’ grammatical mistakes. While in high school, Tricia was a cheerleader for the Proviso East Pirates. She joined the U.S. Army Reserves after high school graduation for an 8-year assignment. During this time, she received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University in 1995. Throughout college, Tricia was a nighttime DJ for the local R&B radio station in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. She worked many jobs simultaneously to finance her college education. After graduation, she had multiple careers but never gave up on her childhood passion for Journalism. At the age of 11, she was selected as a news anchor for Cox Cable News. Her determination to become a journalist led her to eventually work as a reporter for the McKinney Courier-Gazette, People Newspapers, Terrell Tribune, and freelance writer for several publications including the Dallas Morning News and magazine Sister 2 Sister.
On January 31, 2004, she married Anthony Scruggs. Tricia met Anthony as a bridesmaid at her friend's wedding when a shoe mix-up led to her walking down the aisle on his arm. They were raising two sons together, Andrew Lincoln Scruggs and Luke Austin Scruggs, whom she loved dearly. She loved travel and prioritized the boy’s growth through trips. Her many adventures included international trips to Russia, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Antigua, France, Italy, England, and Spain. Of her many domestic destinations, the 30A beaches of Florida were her favorite to relax and connect.
Spending time and enjoying excellent food with loved ones was her favorite pastime. Her time spent in the Chicago area helped to mold her into the food lover that she was. Her most profound influencer was her grandfather, James, who was the ultimate foodie. He would take Tricia to work with him in the summers and throughout the day they would feast on fresh fruit and delicious deli sandwiches. While in Puerto Rico on a girls’ trip in 2011, Tricia was first inspired to start her small business during a food tour in the historic seaside town of Old San Juan. In 2018, Tricia combined her love for food, travel, culture, and her entrepreneurial savvy to launch a dream business, We Ate Well Food Tours. Through this unique local experience, she was able to highlight the Historic Downtown McKinney area with its exceptional mix of talented artisans, food, culture, history, and architecture.
Tricia enhanced her community impact through organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and serving as a chartering officer for Far North Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. She enjoyed volunteering and supporting local ministries, schools, and organizations.
Tricia was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Willie Delawn Allen and James Jordon Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Anthony; two sons, Andrew and Luke; father, Charles (Vanessa); mother, Carolyn; grandparents, Alfred Baltimore, Viva Hill Jordon, and Mordine Caston; sisters, Chanda Allen-Baffoe (Kwamena), Sarita Battles (Shun), Bethany Thimote (Rodnert), Christiana Allen-Coblé (Gideon), and Jordyn Livsey; brothers, Jordan Hill and Devonte Allen; cousin-brothers, Dominic Williams, Dimitri Williams, and D’Angelo Williams; nephews, Eeyan, Ethan, Jace, and Chandler; nieces, Brooklyn, Jailynn, Olivia, Sofia, and Autumn; aunts, Patrice Williams, Delores Robinson, Jeanette Arrington, and Cynthia Hutson; uncles, Daryl Baltimore and Alfred Baltimore Jr.; father & mother-in-law, Emmett and Willie Mae Scruggs; and a host of other loving relatives; including Ron and Sandra Holloway, whom she affectionately referred to as Mom and Dad.
She also leaves behind her devoted friends, Shawn Peppers, Cassandra Hudson, Tamika Allen, Jai Campbell, Cheryl Reid, Corrie Barto, Toni Prate, and many other supportive friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Latricia’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/latricia-scruggs. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
The family will receive family and friends during a remembrance gathering on Friday afternoon from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.