Remembering Sumac.

The summer before I entered third grade I went to Camp Hazlewood for the first time. I stayed for 2 weeks and was in the Bluebird Troop along with 25 other first time campers. I loved that place. I loved it so much that I went back every summer for the next thirteen years. I was even a camp counselor for three of those thirteen years while I was in college. I have so many memories of my summers there, but tonight my thoughts go to Dottie Carey or Sumac as I always called her. I learned from a friend of mine and fellow camper that she died last week. Sumac did make ever camper feel special and she was truly a special person and one of the most influential people in my life. Thank you, Sumac, for all that you have given me and the countless other girls that attend Camp Hazlewood.

Longtime Camp Hazlewood director dies

Longtime Girl Scout Camp Hazlewood director Dorothy Cleo Carey of Jackson died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, in Memphis. She was 76.

Carey, whose camp name was Sumac, worked almost 30 years for the Reelfoot Girl Scout Council in Jackson as a program director. She was summertime camp director at Camp Hazlewood in Henry County from 1967-1992.

“The only thing more beautiful than the out of doors was Sumac’s smile,” said a former camper.

Another camper said Carey made each child feel special and added “she is one of the most caring individuals I have ever met.”

Of her professional career in Girl Scouts of America, Carey said, “I couldn’t have asked for a better life. I wouldn’t have lived a day any different. God has certainly had a hand in this business.”

Carey became involved in Girl Scouts in the third grade. Her association with the organization lasted more than 65 years, ending with her retirement as a field director.

She earned a degree in history from Memphis State College in 1955, then became a professional Girl Scout.

After working in the Appalachian and Southeast Louisiana councils, she moved to Jackson to work on staff with her sister, the late Virginia Smith, who helped start the Reelfoot Council in 1959.

Carey was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis on Monday after a service at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Memphis, where she was a member.

She leaves one sister, Sarah Ryan Thompson and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Philip and Jessie Ambrose Carey; and another sister, Emma Louise Hunt.

Memorials may be made to the Girl Scouts of Reelfoot Council, 1007 Old Humboldt Road, Jackson 38305.