Thelma Ernestine (Taylor) Scott

The late great Thelma Ernestine Scott transitioned peacefully on Friday August 5, 2022, at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney, MD. Thelma Scott was born to the late Ellen Owens (step-father George Owens) and her father Howell Dyson on August 17, 1941, in Gaithersburg, MD. In 1959, Thelma graduated from Carver High School in Rockville, MD. Finding love at an early age, she married the late Carroll Scott in 1962. From that union, Gilbert Scott and Ivy Scott-Black were born. As a young woman, Thelma worked as a Procurement Officer and Publications Officer at IBM. After years spent at IBM, she later moved on to work at Lockheed Martin. 40 years later of dedicated work, Thelma decided to retire.

At an early age Thelma accepted the lord and was a faithful member of Emory Grove United Methodist Church. Thelma served as the President of the United Methodist Women for many years. A true professional committed to assisting on the Local, District, National and Global levels.

Thelma’s presence at Emory Grove was truly impactful  She was a distinguished pillar of the community and gave a lifetime of service. Serving as a member in as many activities as possible, she was a member of the Junior Choir, The Gospelettes, Senior Choir, Mass Choir, and even held positions as the co-founder and Director of the Tots Choir. She was even a member of the Administrative Council holding many different roles including the Co-Chair of the Building Fund committee, the Trustees, Worship Committee and Finance Committee. Lastly, but certainly not least, everyone knew Thelma was a strong leader in Emory Grove’s tradition of Camp Meetings.

In her leisure time, Thelma was a dedicated member of the Mitchellville Drifters, a national organization known for heavy involvement in various philanthropies. Thelma had a gift for selling tickets and raising funds for a multitude of events.  She was truly like no other. If there was a ticket to sell, Thelma was going to call you with the smoothest tone, and before she got off the phone you were going to commit to participate. In addition to years of giving back to the community, Thelma also was a foster mother to a multitude of children in need of a caring mother and loving home.

Thelma loved to travel with family and friends, even spending her 80th birthday in Las Vegas. She was very serious about her hearty breakfast every morning and you better not call at 2:00pm and interfere with General Hospital! Though talented in many ways, she will always be remembered for making her 100 lbs of potato salad.

Thelma always looked magnificent and stayed dressed to kill. She took the time EVERY morning to put herself together flawlessly and wouldn’t make an appearance until her hair, makeup, and outfits were perfect, even if it was just to sit downstairs for the day. Every time Thelma visited the hospital, the nurses, doctors and all hospital staff always commented on how remarkable she was from head to toe. Thelma was a living miracle – a gift from God in our midst. Throughout her life, she battled so many obstacles -- breast cancer twice, thyroid cancer, enlarged heart, lymphoma, leukaemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure. There was even a short time when Thelma even went blind, but did that stop her?! Did you even know? No! She was a WARRIOR. Thelma was always present with a smile, a contagious positive attitude, a true hope that only God could provide. Thelma loved the Lord, declaring his goodness to those she encountered. She loved the old hymns and continued to sing out loud giving God the praise until the very end of her journey. Her actions reflected her core values in taking care of her family and those she loved. In her presence, you were sure to experience her sweet spirit, hear only the truth, and receive whatever you needed. Thelma honored and valued family, showing what real love looked like. She truly loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally, making sure to contact them every day.

Thelma Ernestine Scott leaves behind her son Gilbert Scott; her daughter Ivy Scott-Black, her grandchildren: Natalia Scott, Daiquon Taylor, Nikera Scott, DaiAndre Scott, and Dalaila Black, Tiara Logan, Davion Williams, her sisters: Priscilla Scott, Barbara Mae Taylor, Carolyn Taylor, Ellen Marie Silva (Segundo), Joan Owens, Delithea “Sister” Washington (Morgan), Gloria “Bucky” Dyson, Gertrude “Boobie” Dyson, Paulette “Peedie” Dyson; two uncles: Howard Dyson (Lucy) and Reverend Cyrus Glenn Taylor (Geraldine); one aunt: Etta Johnson; two Godchildren: Christal Taylor and Lashawn Settles. Thelma had a special bond with her dearest friends Mary Andrews and Urlecia Cooks. She also leaves behind a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Carroll Scott, her mother Ellen Owens, step-father George Owens, her father Howell Dyson, her siblings Doris Ann Riggs, Dora Jean Settles, and Dorothy Jane Lancaster and Howard Eugene Dyson. The family would like to thank everyone for their condolences, kind words, and prayers.

Services will be live streamed at www.epworthunited.org

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