Mary Maloy Scott was born in Wilmington, Delaware on May 21, 1933. She was the oldest of five children born to Edward and Rose Maloy. She departed this life on December 1, 2017. She received her early education in Wilmington, moved to Smyrna at age 9, where she attended a two-room school house (grades 1-8) and later completed her elementary and middle school education at Booker T. Washington Elementary School (Dover). It was here where she met her husband, William Loper Scott. They had three children, Sheldon, Jeffrey and Rachel.

Mary graduated from Delaware State (College) University Laboratory High School. She attended Delaware State (College) University and graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Biology. She went on to receive her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. She accrued additional credit hours in Educational Administration at West Chester State (College) University, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the University of Delaware. She became certified at the professional status level as a Supervisor and Director of Education, Elementary Principal, Secondary Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Schools.

While at William Henry Comprehensive High School (Dover), she began her professional career as a school secretary and taught as a science teacher and English teacher. During the summer months, she worked as a House Parent, alongside her husband, at Sunnycrest Farm for Boys in Cheyney, Pennsylvania. In 1965, she became the first minority educator to join the faculty of the Smyrna School District as an English teacher. From 1974 to 1978, she held concurrent positions as Assistant to the Principal/Human Relations Coordinator at Smyrna High School. She was the Director of the Title 1 Program/Supervisor of the Early Education Center. In 1985, she was appointed Principal at North Elementary School in Smyrna and held that position until her promotion as Supervisor of Education.

In 1991, Mary became the Assistant Superintendent of the Smyrna School District and in 1994, was promoted as Superintendent of Schools. She held that position until 1998, a retirement she had long planned. She was the first African American woman to serve in all positions held in the Smyrna School District. In addition, Mary taught as an adjunct professor, teaching several graduate courses in Administration at Delaware State (College) University; undergraduate and graduate education courses at Wesley College and also supervised several student teachers.

A person of deep faith, Mary received her early Christian education at Mt. Friendship A.M.E. and later joined Emmanuel A.M.E. Church, where she was a member until her death. She strongly believed and was committed in giving back to her community, church and state in whatever capacity needed. Her service has been recognized by numerous professional, educational, civic and religious organizations. She was proud to be awarded the Girls Inc. International “She Knows Where She’s Going” Award (1996) and the Smyrna School District ‘Person of Integrity’ Community Award (2009). The United States Congressional Record, initiated by Senator Tom Carper, recognized her for many years of community service and commitment to education (2010).

Mary has been a member of the Order of Eastern Star since 1958, serving as Worthy Matron of Electa Chapter No. 6, Chairperson of the Committee for Foreign Correspondence, Grand Ruth, Grand Worthy Matron and President and Member of the Past Patrons and Matrons Council. She served as Christian Education Director of the Delaware A.M.E. Conference and Sunday School Superintendent of the Wilmington District.

In 1955, Mary became a Charter Member of Delta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As a member, she was a Graduate Advisor and Secretary for the Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter (Dover). She was a lifetime member, having over 50 years of service to the organization. Mary has been a Scholarship Pageant Judge in several Eastern States, a motivational speaker for groups and offered training workshops for young people and adults. She was known for her ability to move people beyond their comfort zones and was an inspirational voice to many; a legend and an icon in many respects.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, William; her son, Sheldon; grandson, Aarine; brothers, James and Willie; sister, Viola.

Mary will sadly be missed by her son, Jeffrey; daughter, Rachel (Wayne, future son-in-law); grandchildren, Shevenchko, India, Shella and Brian; great-grandchildren, Jayla, Jasryn and Charles; daughter-in-law Ann; sister, Eula (William Oliver); brothers-in-law Lester (Alberta) and Daniel (Nancy); sisters-in-law, Margaret, Edith, Lowan and Mary Ann; godchildren, Tommy and Ernestine Adams; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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