Sunday's Obituary: Grandma Scott Dies

I am so glad that we now use women's names in obituaries and other documents.  I have seen so many obituaries and other articles calling older women "Grandma" or referring to married women by their husband's name; e.g., Mrs. R. E. Bryan or Mrs. Redic E. Bryan.  

Mary Ann Selman Scott was the wife of Calvin C. Scott and a descendant of Thomas Selman and Jemimah Greenlease. She was a cousin to my great-grandmother, Lodema Criswell Hairston. Lodema’s grandmother was Nancy Selman, also a descendant of Thomas Selman and Jemimah Greenlease

Grandma Scott Dies

Sunday morning, May 8 at 4 o’clock Grandma M. A. Scott breathed her last.  She had been sick for a long time with kidney trouble and for several months had been gradually growing worse.  Anticipating the end, her children had all been here to visit her and all but one were present when she died.  The funeral took place at the residence on Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Her pastor, Rev. O. E. Clark, conducted the services. A long procession of sorrowing relatives and friends followed the remains to the cemetery. 

          Grandma Scott died at the advanced age of 80 years and was the last one of nine children. She moved to Baylor County in 1879, being one of the first settlers, and lived a few years at Round Timber, after which she moved to Seymour.  During her long residence here, she has won the love and esteem of all those who have known her.  She had become a familiar figure in the town and her presence will be sadly missed.  For sixty years Mrs. Scott has been a faithful member of the Baptist church.  Her life has been an exemplary one and she could lie down in death without fear or trembling.

          Deceased leaves six children:  Ben Scott and Mrs. J. S. Foster of this place, J. G. Scott of Tahoka, Holly Scott of Roosevelt, Okla., Mrs. Reeder of Knox City, and Mrs. N. A. Green of Estelline.  People of Seymour join those in sorrow for the death of this good woman.  We have this consolation, though, that she had more than lived out her period of years and so lived that her memory will be revered. 

                        From the May 13, 1910 issue of the Baylor County Banner

                        in Baylor County, Texas

Diana

© 2012, copyright Diana Quinn