Mr. Hiram Scott

Obituary For Mr. Hiram Scott

In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Hiram Scott. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 6, 2025 11:00am at Central United Methodist Church 501 M.L.K Jr Dr SW Atlanta GA 30314. Viewing will be Friday, September 5, 2025 1pm-7pm at Grissom Eastlake Chapel 227 Eastlake Dr SE Atlanta Ga 30317. Family Hour will be from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Service will be live streamed via Central United Methodist Church Website

Central United Methodist Church

Hiram Scott was born on January 18, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, to George Scott and Latrelle Henderson. Affectionately known as “Peanut” by his childhood friends, Hiram was the second and youngest child, born after his beloved sister, Gloria. They shared an undeniable bond and connection all throughout their lives. He was a proud native of Atlanta’s Ezra Church Drive community. He attended E. C. Clement Elementary and H. M. Turner High School, later enrolling at Clark College. Following his time at Clark, Hiram was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a Private during the Vietnam era from 1969 to 1971. Stationed in California, he was recognized as a sharpshooter and awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Hiram fondly remembered those years, often recounting adventures along Carmel-by-the-Sea and drives down Route 66 in his cherished Corvette. Deeply rooted in Northwest Atlanta, Hiram was passionate about community engagement and activism. He worked with the Hunter Hills Volunteers Against Crime and served as president of the Northwest Y Men’s Club, a service organization connected to the historic Butler Street YMCA. A man of unwavering faith, Hiram was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church, where he served on both the Finance and Staff Parish Relations Committees. After his military service, Hiram began his professional journey with Century Insurance Company and later joined Atlanta Life Insurance Company. It was during this time that he met and was mentored by T. M. Alexander, Sr., founder of Atlanta’s oldest Black insurance firm. Their relationship left a lasting impact on Hiram, leading him to work at T. M. Alexander Sr. & Company, Inc., in both Atlanta and Washington, D. C., before eventually opening his own insurance agency in D. C. Washington, D. C., became a second home to Hiram. He initially moved there to work on the national campaign to elect President Jimmy Carter. At the Democratic National Convention, he met Stanley Williams (Judy), Allen Burriss (Denise), Benny Lawson, and James Powell (Rebecca)—a group of lifelong friends who came to be known as “The DC Village.” During the Carter campaign, Hiram served as a political consultant, working under Georgia State Senator Ben Brown, who later became Deputy Director of the Democratic Party. Hiram remained active in national politics, consulting on various campaigns. When Reverend Jesse Jackson ran for President, Hiram was a key organizer of one of the largest fundraising events of the campaign—an event at the D. C. Convention Center that drew over 10,000 supporters. During this time, he worked closely with influential leaders including D. C. Mayor Marion Barry and Congressman Reverend Walter Fauntroy. In 1987, Hiram returned to Atlanta and ran for Atlanta City Council in the 3rd District. A fierce advocate for fair housing and quality of life improvements on Atlanta’s Westside, he was deeply committed to seeing his community beautified and uplifted. LETTER FROM FERN, HIRAM’S WIFE “To the Love of My Life” To My Beloved Hiram, the love of my life, Although we met later in life, I was blessed to walk with you for more than half the journey. What a journey it was. Our vows were simple and true: “We are in this until the end. Divorce is not an option.” And we kept that promise—we stayed the course, all the way to the finish line. When you make such a vow, you cannot know what the road will hold—joys and sorrows, triumphs and trials. But I know this: our faith in God Almighty carried us through. That faith was tested when our precious daughters came into this world far too soon, each weighing less than three pounds. It was tested again when illness struck early in our marriage, forcing you to retire after sixteen years at your job. Yet through it all, you never complained. Instead of asking me, “Why me?” you always said, “Why not me?” I don’t believe many could have borne such burdens with the same grace, kindness, and gentleness you showed every day. You never spoke an unkind word, you never complained. You cherished friendships, kept confidences, and nurtured relationships throughout your life. Your friends and family loved you deeply—and I know this because they stood by you, and by us, to the very end. For their love and support, I will be forever grateful. I have been truly blessed to share my life with a man of such character and strength. Well done, my hero, my lover, my friend. You fought the good fight. And one day, I will see you again at the finish line. Your Wife, Your Love, Your Girl, Fern page 2 - page numbers do not print page 7 - page numbers do not print Following his campaign, Hiram joined the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office as a Special Investigator, serving for sixteen years before retiring due to a debilitating diagnosis of primary-progressive Multiple Sclerosis. During this transformative chapter of his life, Hiram met the love of his life, Fern Lavaughn Terrell, a Texas native, through Fern’s sister, Helena, and her brother-in-law, the late George Logan. The two married in 1990, and in 1993, they welcomed twin daughters, Lauren and Erin. Hiram often called his wife and daughters his greatest joys. Hiram was a devoted husband and a hands-on, loving father. An avid photographer and videographer, he made sure to capture many moments big and small. He loved being present and involved in his girls’ education and passions, from serving as PTA Treasurer at E. Rivers Elementary, to attending every awards ceremony and soccer game, and traveling to see both daughters graduate from college. For nearly three decades, Hiram faced Multiple Sclerosis with courage and humility. Despite his health challenges, he remained optimistic and hopeful. In the last few years of his time, he was thrilled to watch Lauren and Erin get married and welcome his two grandchildren, George Lewis and Julia James Fender. He cherished time with his family and maintained friendships that went back to his elementary school days. Many of Hiram’s friends regard him as one of their most faithful and steady friends. Hiram Scott transitioned peacefully on August 24, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by his beloved wife, Fern; daughters, Erin and Lauren; sons-in-law, Aaron and Joel; and cousin, Sharon Burnette. He was preceded in his passing by his parents, George and Latrelle; and sister, Gloria. He is survived by his wife, Fern Terrell Scott; daughters, Lauren Scott Barnes (Joel) and Erin Fender (Aaron); grandchildren, George Lewis Fender and Julia James Fender; sister-in-laws, Stacy Terrell Dennis (Jeff), Helena A. Terrell; brother-in-law, Jimmie J. Terrell III; niece, Georgia A. Logan; nephews, Steven Terrell, Sheley Terrell and Jovan Dennis; great-aunt, Margie Roberts; aunt, Wevelyn Scott; godchildren, Naomi Beal, Lanita Williams, Ashley Smith, and Scott Rodgers; a host of beloved cousins, including Soleil Soleil, Edrina Henderson, Chandra Gonzalez (Frank), Shelett Pearl, Arleton Williams, Jr. (Delicia), Thomas Ryan Brown (Candice), Rosalind Cook (Silas), Antonio Harrell, Andrew Scott, Alvin Scott, James Scott, Mattie Scott, and Theodore P. Scott, Jr., Marvin and Cassandra Saunders, Henri Robinson, Donnetta Bryant, Sharon Burnette, and Jade Zachery; as well as countless treasured friends, notably “The DC Village,” Abraham “Abe” Williams, Will Hardy, Winfrey Hill, Morocco Coleman, Ramsey Davis, Kenneth Sims, Tony Rogers, Todd Rogers, Richard Watson, Vincent Marsh and the “JEDF” (Jimmy Easley Dinner with Friends). Hiram Scott lived a life of deep purpose, service, and joy. His legacy of integrity, community advocacy, and deep love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him. PRECIOUS MEMORIE