Frances L. Scott

11/04/1921 - 10/12/2010

SCOTT,
Frances L.

November 4, 1921 -
October 12, 2010

Frances L. Scott, 88 passed away on October 12, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. She is survived by her children, Kelly Scott of Seattle; Diane Mackey (Eli) of Redmond, Washington; Grandchildren Jason and Elisha Mackey and Jerrell Campbell (Kelsie), and three great-grandchildren; sisters Mildred Louise Elliott of Albany, NY and Ruth N. Nichols of Spokane; a niece Tracie Hall of Albany, NY, and nephews Vincent Elliott (Colleen), of Redmond, Washington; Clifford Elliott, of Spokane; Anthony Elliott, of Denver; Thomas Elliott, of Spokane and Reginald Nichols, of Sacramento, California and many other family members. She was affectionately known as Ba, (a pet name originated from baby babble) by her niece and nephews. Frances (Fran) was preceded in death by her daughter Carolynn (1962), her husband of 46 years Walter Vernon (1988), her mother Marie Maley (1988), her nephew, Colonel (retired) James Elliott (2004), her brother Louis Nichols (2008) and her best friend and partner Barbara Cozad (2009).

Fran was born in Seattle and moved to Spokane with her mother, Marie Maley, as an infant. She was a resident of Spokane for 70 years. A graduate of Marycliff High School, she attended Holy Names College (Fort Wright), and received her BA and MA degrees in Education and Sociology from Whitworth College. While teaching at Rogers High School, her commitment to social justice and equity led her to law school in 1974. Fran received her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1978 and became the first Black woman attorney in Spokane.

As an educator, Fran began teaching at Rogers High School in 1958 where she taught English and German and was fondly known by her students as "Good ole Mrs. Scott". She retired from Rogers High School in 1989. During those years, she also taught English at Fort Wright College from 1967 to 1974 in the Upward Bound Program. She served as President of the Spokane Education Association (1981 - 1983), and held various leadership roles in the Washington Education Association (WEA) and the National Education Association (NEA). In 1985 she was appointed to a seven year term on the Washington State University Board of Regents culminating her term as President of the Board.

Fran was very active in the civil rights struggles, women's rights and human rights issues on the local, state and national levels. She participated in several community and civic organizations. In her later years, she served as a mediator for the Dispute Resolution Center of Kitsap County.

Fran was an active member of St. Bede's Episcopal Church (Port Orchard); and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (Spokane) and enjoyed the fellowship she shared with both congregations. At St. Bede's, she enjoyed her membership on the Altar Guild and her participation in the monthly Family Kitchen hosted by the church.

In 1991, Fran and Barbara Cozad, a retired teacher from Shadle Park High School, moved to Port Orchard, Washington where they opened a Bed and Breakfast (Northwest Interlude). They successfully operated their B & B for many years and besides being Inn Keepers, they sponsored a very popular annual golf tournament known as the P.O.O.P.S. (Port Orchard Obscure Players' Scramble).

Fran always felt that she had a life's purpose and she set about with firm determination in making a difference in all that she did. She cherished family and friends and was an inspiration to many. She was the absolute best mom, a loving wife and sister and a genuine friend to those who knew her as their friend. She will always be remembered for her incredible sense of humor, engaging laugh, and her warm smile. Her family, friends and all who knew her will miss her dearly, as she touched many people in very meaningful ways throughout her life.

(For a recent article on her life by columnist, Jim Kershner, see the October 23, 2010 edition of The Spokesman-Review.)

Remembrances may be made to:

Spokane Northwest Black Pioneers
c/o Jerrelene Williamson, President
12712 East 15th Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99216-0563

St. Bede Episcopal Church
Note "Family Kitchen" on check.
P.O. Box 845
Port Orchard, WA 98366

Thomas - Bagley Good Samaritan Endowment
College of Veterinary Medicine
Washington State University
P.O. Box 647010
Pullman, WA 99164-7011

A memorial celebration will take place in Port Orchard on November 20, 2010 at 12:00 noon at The Clubhouse at McCormick Woods, 5155 McCormick Woods Drive SE, Port Orchard, WA 98367
(A Celebration of Life will be held in Spokane in Spring, 2011.)