M. Jean Scott

Mary Jean Scott (Jean) departed this life on the morning of November 3, 2024. Jean was the epitome of hard work, resilience and faith, and was loved by all who met her.

Jean was born on December 4, 1929 to the late Annie and John H. Wright. The third of four children, Jean was born in Seneca, South Carolina but moved with her family to Cleveland in 1934. The passing of Annie Wright when Jean was just 7 years old resulted in her and her younger brother, Robert, moving back to South Carolina to be raised by their grandmother, Gennie Crooks. From a very early age, Jean took the initiative to attend services at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Seneca, usually on her own. It was also during this time that – as a second grader – Jean met her future husband, the late William M. Scott. Jean and Bill relocated to Dayton, Ohio in the 1950s and would remain married until his death in 1984.

Jean was a 1947 graduate from Seneca’s Oconee County Training School, an institution that educated African American children in the segregated South. She attended Kent State University in Ohio before eventually being awarded a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Dayton in 1967. Nearly a decade into her career as an elementary school teacher and while raising two children, Jean earned a Master of Education degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH in 1974. Jean went on to serve the Jefferson Township and Dayton Public School systems as a teacher and, later, a guidance counselor, and was initiated into the Phi Delta Kappa education fraternity before her retirement following a distinguished decades-long career.

Having accepted Christ while still a small child, Jean became a faithful and active member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Dayton for many decades. At Trinity, she served as a Ruling Elder, the highest lay position one can hold at a Presbyterian church. She was also a member of Presbyterian Women, Circle # 1 and Trinity Christian Club in addition to many other activities.

Jean enjoyed a long, active and productive retirement. During this period – which stretched for over 30 years – Jean remained active in the church while also taking regular line dancing classes, golfing, volunteering and traveling the world. A particular favorite was cruise ship travel; Jean embarked with her friends on many, many jazz and other themed cruises over the years. In 2005, she relocated to Aurora, Ohio where she continued her engagement in community activities.

Jean leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter and son-in-law Monica & Tony Byers, devoted niece and nephew Janice & Luther Allen and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother Jennie Wright, husband Bill, son Terry, sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth & Douglas Dennis, brothers John Wright and Robert Wright and close friend Frank Fullen.

Funeral service 12 pm Friday, November 8, 2024 at Woodland Tiffany Chapel, 118 Woodland Avenue, Dayton, OH. Visitation 11:30 am at which time family will receive friends.  Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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