Jeffrey Scott Scarborough, 55, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.
Jeff was born on March 2, 1971, to Allen Scarborough and David and Gayla Tippit (Weed). He attended Kaskaskia College, where he studied several trades. Jeff was best known for his remarkable ability to fix just about anything and his constant desire to learn something new. He had a generous heart, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and cherished every opportunity to spend time with his family and friends. His loud laugh, quick wit, and kind spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jeff was of the Baptist faith. As a young child, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized by his beloved grandfather, the late Rev. Fred Tippit. His faith remained an important part of his life and the foundation of the hope his family holds today.
Jeff is survived by his beloved daughter, Mattie Scarborough; his brother, Chad Tippit; his sisters, Shanna (Jim) Bateman, Angela (Alan) Betters, Amy (Michael) Benjamin, and Emily (Dustin) Gansauer, all of Centralia, Illinois. He was a proud and devoted uncle who dearly loved his nieces and nephews: Paige Tippit; Bradyn and Jacob Bateman; Haylee, Gavin, and Logan Benjamin; Preslee and Parker Betters; and Grace Neff, Finley Gansauer, and Maverick Gansauer.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Tippit and grandparents, Charlie and Joyce Weed, and Fred and Imogene Tippit.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life service will be held at Eternity Baptist Church in Centralia on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an educational fund established for Jeff’s daughter, Mattie Scarborough and can be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801, who is honored to be of service to Jeff’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.Sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
