Ethel N. Scott

Mrs. Ethel Naomi Scott, of Petersburg, Va., daughter of James and Mable Charity, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009.

Mrs. Scott was 84 years young, the widow of John Wendell Scott, and the eldest of 11 children, five of whom are living, Martha Shears (David), Clarence Charity (Audrey), Catherine Wooden, James Charity and Roger Charity, and two sisters-in-law, Suebette Charity and Francis Charity.

Ethel Scott is survived by her three children, Edith Naomi Whyte and Harold Scott (Bessie), both of Petersburg, Va., and Clinton Scott (Cindy) of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Scott lived a vibrant and full life. She was a native of Surry County, Va., born on Sept. 14, 1924. Mrs. Scott was affectionately known as "Big Mama" to the many generations she birthed, including 20 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Scott lovingly adopted several others into her life and family over the years who loved her dearly, including but not limited to Mr. Billy Stokes, Mr. Larry Fairley, Mr. Felton Tinsley, Ms. Tina Toran, Ms. Sanjena Scott, Mr. Robert Whyte and Mrs. Susie Bright Kemp.

She humbly served her community as a foster grandparent for the City of Petersburg for nearly two decades, nurturing the lives of infants and youth alike. At an early age Ethel Scott was baptized at the Church of All Nations. She was also a member of the Solid Rock Congregation and she attended Trinity Baptist Church. She diligently sang as a member of various local, gospel groups most notably the Harmonizing Echoes and the Lafayette Larks. It is clear that Ethel Scott was indeed a good and faithful servant. Her family and loved ones are comforted and inspired by the investments she made in each of them to live an abundant life honoring God in all they do.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at the chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va.; Pastor Isaac Holmes officiating. Interment to follow at Weirneck Cemetery, Surry, Va.

The family will receive friends at 214 S. Sycamore St., Apartment 619, Petersburg, Va. Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Scott online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.