On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 5:45 p.m. PT, Marietta Scott joined her husband Anderson Scott in heaven. She passed peacefully in the comfort of her own home near Sacramento, Calif., after long visits from her son Dave, and her sister Linda.

On Dec. 3, 1936, Marietta was born at the hearth of her grandparents John and Francis Dunn to her parents Harvey and Clarinda Weary in Sandy Hook, Miss. The oldest child in a large family, Marietta led the pace at home and at school. Graduating as salutatorian at Central Memorial High School (Bogalusa) in 1956, Marietta “Spank” Weary was an honor student with perfect attendance, placed first each year at the Parish Fair in Home Econ./Sewing, and first each year in the “Serious Oration by Me” competition from 1952-1956. All that, and she also played clarinet in the school’s concert band.

Marietta received her B.A. from Southern University (Baton Rouge) in 1960. While a student at Southern University, Marietta pledged the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and was voted “Miss Vanity Fair (of SU)” of 1957. After graduation, Marietta stayed at Southern University as an English professor from 1960-1964.

On a trip to California, Marietta met Anderson (Andy) Scott, the love of her life. On July 2, 1964, the couple married and built their lives together for 49 years until Andy’s death in 2013. Two sons completed their family, Steven Harvey and David Todd Scott.

Marietta taught English and African-American literature for 36 years at Sacramento City College, and encouraged her sons to pursue multiple graduate degrees. Marietta’s passion for family and education was only rivaled by her love of bridge and more than 50 years of involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Her more than 50 years of devotion to AKA included the Eta Gamma Omega and Sigma Delta Omega chapters of Sacramento, and 16 years on the national board of the sorority. Marietta travelled the world from Paris to Prague, and wrote the book I BROUGHT YOU IN THIS WORD: 37 PARENTING SKILLS FOR RAISING SUCCESSFUL AFRICAN-AMERICAN SONS.

Referred to by her siblings as “The Madam,” Marietta was an icon to family and friends. She survived her siblings, Malcom Lovell (Ted), Eula Mae, and Albert Earl (Syrup). Marietta Weary Scott is survived by her sisters Carolyn, Nellie and Linda; her brother Alphonso (Ricky); her sons Steven Harvey and David Todd Scott; and her grandson Wesley Adam Scott.

Marietta will be laid to rest with her husband in a private ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery in Dixon, Calif. Some of her remains will also be laid to rest with her parents Harvey James and Clarinda Weary, and brothers, Malcom Lovell and Albert Earl Weary, at the family plot in Sandy Hook, next to the Ford Chapel Baptist Church built by her father, and across the road from her grandfather’s house where she was born at the hearth.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to contribute to the Anderson & Marietta Scott Scholarship Fund. This fund was started by Marietta after her husband’s death. It benefits Sacramento students interested in attending Southern University. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/mariettascott. You may also contribute by check made payable to the Southern University Alumni Club of Sacramento, c/o Dr. Steven H. Scott, 2900 Granite Park Ln., Elk Grove CA 95758.