Josephine Delores Foster Scott was born on 20 May 1921. She was an only child born to Bessie Greenfield Thompson who, with her husband Thomas J. Thompson, Josephine’s stepdad, showered her with much love and affection, so much so that at an early age, she seemed almost destined to become the loving steward, caregiver, spiritual leader, humanitarian, and advocate for youth which has characterized her entire life.

On 3 July 1941, Josephine was joined in holy matrimony to the late Quincy Scott, Sr. In subsequent years they became parents to Juritus Thatch, Quincy Scott, Jr., and Thomas J. Scott, Sr.

Jo, as she was fondly called, was an honor student throughout her formative years. After graduation from Norfolk State University, she continued her studies at Hampton and Old Dominion Universities. She became a reading specialist for the Norfolk School System and was recognized as an outstanding teacher. Having served as the president of several parent associations to include Jacox, Liberty Park, and Bowling Park, she became the first Black President of the Norfolk Teachers Association. As President of the Oakwood School PTA, Josephine led the movement which hired legal counsel and ultimately led to the establishment of “The Norfolk Seventeen”.

Mrs. Josephine Scott is a lifetime member of Saint Paul CME Church where she remained active in the local and district missionary ministry, Sunday School, and outreach ministry. She was also an active member of the Stewardess Board, Joint Board of Finance, and the Washington Annual Conference from which she became a recipient of the Living Legend Award.

As a member of the United Order of Tents, Mrs. Scott has served in several capacities to include delegate to the Grand District Convention, member of the Royal Degree, chairperson of ways and means committee and keynoter on several occasions. She was quite proud of her tenure as president of Vir-Was-Mar chapter.

There is no person prouder of being a ‘Norfolk Stater’ than Jo Scott. Whether it was riding on a float, providing leadership for the alumni association, attending a graduation, cheering for her team at a sports event or simply standing on the sideline, she was that voice in the middle of the crowd loudly chanting “Behold the Green and Gold”!

Supporting her daughter’s involvement in the Berkley Community, Josephine was very engaged with the Berkley Community which named her as their ‘ambassador’. On countless occasions, she was celebrated on birthdays, anniversaries, or at historical events. She took much pride in having been named official marshal during the Berkley 2020 homecoming parade.

A complete list of Mama Scott’s awards, decorations, and citations are too numerous to record. Suffice it to say that this Christian Warrior was much celebrated and appreciated for her long life of spiritual, academic, professional, and social endeavors. When asked, how are you doing, her answer, even to the very last, was “I’m blessed by the best”.

She was/is loved and cherished by Juritus Scott Thatch (deceased), Quincy Scott, Jr (Connie), Thomas Scott, Sr. (Flozelle); her grandchildren, Javonie Parris (deceased), Stanley Thatch (Shirley), Scott Thatch (Tracey), Joseph Thatch (deceased), Toya Hauf (Joseph), Quincy Scott, III (Millie), Derek Scott (Jane), Thomas Scott, Jr., Michael Scott, Tammy McDuffie (deceased), and a host of other family and special friends to include great and great, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and Paul Riddick, who she called “her other son”.

Josephine was indeed ‘Blessed by the Best!’

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at St. Paul CME Church 310 East Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, Virginia 23510

A service honoring her life will be on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM

Burial will follow on Saturday, February 26, 2022 1:00 PM. Calvary Cemetery 1600 St. Julian Ave Norfolk, Virginia 23504 St. Paul CME Church 310 East Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, Virginia 23510

Arrangements are entrusted to: Riddick Funeral Service 1225 Norview Ave. Norfolk, Virginia 23513