Roanoke Rapids Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough has tendered her resignation from the council to focus on ongoing health challenges, the city said today.

She represents District 1 and was re-elected to office in the May primary. She ran unopposed.

The city said in a statement Scarbrough has been a consistent presence on the panel but has been absent from meetings in the recent months leading to her announcement.

On Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street the council will hold a special meeting to discuss the vacancy and the next steps to be taken.

In an August 16 letter to the city, the councilwoman’s family said, “her deepest desire is and has been for the wellbeing and prosperity of the citizens of Roanoke Rapids and the greater Roanoke Valley.”

Under the city’s charter the other members of the council may appoint a qualified person to hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term which ends in November of 2025. 

Since the city council has by-district elections, any appointment shall be a qualified resident of District 1.

District 1 is also represented by Councilmember Rex Stainback.

“Suetta Scarbrough has been a valuable and dedicated public servant for over 30 years,” the city said.

She was first elected to the council in 2009.

She serves as council liaison on the Roanoke Rapids Senior Center Advisory Committee and the Roanoke Canal Museum Advisory Committee.

Prior to holding elected office, she served 18 years on the Halifax Community College Board of Trustees — serving two terms as chair. 

She also served on the State Community College Trustee Board.