Marguerite Elizabeth Scott

Marguerite Elizabeth Monroe Scott was born April 22, 1925 to Joseph and Bessie Monroe, in Akron, Ohio. Her father Joseph was the senior pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church, then the largest black church in Northern Ohio. From a young age Marguerite was involved in the church ministry through music and choir and continued this throughout her life. As a young lady in her early twenties, Marguerite married James Edward Williams, a young man also in the choir. From this union was born, her only son, Edward.

Following the call of the Lord, and amidst much criticism within the city, Marguerite joined the Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church in Akron, Ohio. Early in the 1960s after her divorce from James, Marguerite married the late William Scott Jr.

Inspired by the ministry of her father and her love of the Lord, Marguerite (affectionately known as Rita) continued her work for the Master, as she and William Scott (aka Bill) assisted with the development and start of numerous churches in the Ohio area. Later after moving to Oakwood College, they encountered some financially trying times. Both she and Bill worked in the laundry there for .60 cents per hour. Somehow, God brought them through. It was there that they joined forces with the Huntsville First Church in its early days. While there, they witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit as He transformed that small band of believers into one of the most dynamic churches in the Adventist denomination.

In 1964, the family joined the Riverside Chapel S.D.A. Church. This was one of the most rewarding and blessed periods for Marguerite and her family, as they joined a close and loving Riverside community. Notably, after working in The Oakwood College Laundry for meager income, Marguerite graduated in the top of her nursing class at Riverside Hospital School of Nursing. The economic transformation and blessing that ensued from that education made an indelible impression on her son Edward. He then went on to graduate from college with a degree in education.

Rita subsequently enhanced her outreach by adding nursing and medical ministry to a renewed vigor in bible work and church building. This time focused in southern Ohio. They joined hands there with the Dale Wright Memorial Church in Germantown. Afterwards, Ephesus, Hillcrest and Springfield Churches in the Dayton area, including Middleton and Cincinnati. In her recent years she moved to Tennessee to be closer to family. There, she has been embraced by a wonderful church family at the Highland Academy Church. Only in recent months did Rita slow down and was admitted to rehab, just slightly bothered by the suggestion that she give up her driving. Proving to Edward, by driving around her yard, that she could still handle it. But then voluntarily stating, that her grandson George, could go ahead and take over for a while. God has chosen to bless Rita and her family, and has shown favor to her with His joy, grace, and long fruitful life.

She is survived by her son Edward, daughter in law Carolyn, Grand daughters, Marguerita Michelle Lee, and Kelli Evon Williams-Malcolm (Royce), great grandchildren: Jalecia Askew, Jayla Askew, George Askew, and Bentley Malcolm and great great granddaughter, Sutton Merritt.

After 94 years of faithful service, Marguerite peacefully took her rest on July nineteen two thousand nineteen. Blessedly anticipating the call of the Saviour and the joyful meeting on the other shore.