Harold Bertrand Scott

Harold Bertrand Scott, 83, born on September 11, 1937 to Vernel and Leester Asberry Scott in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died May 4, 2021 at Sherman Home Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, Arizona. He was fourth of nine siblings and was affectionately called “Bert” by his family and friends. He grew up in Brookstown, a small, closely-knit community offering him a large, loving, extended family and doting grandparents as well. He was baptized at an early age at Elm Park Baptist Church and was grounded in the Christian faith.

His early education began at Victoria School and was completed at Scott Street Elementary School both in East Baton Rouge Parish. He graduated from Capitol Junior-Senior High School in 1955. A very good student, Harold went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern University, Baton Rouge in 1959 and later a master’s degree from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.

On July 31, 1961, Harold married the love of his life, Glory Daniel. They were blessed with their son, Patrick Scott in 1965. Patrick and Chevon Martin gave Harold and Glory the joy of their lives, granddaughter Jasmine Glory in 2011. Harold served his country in the United States Army from 1961-1963 and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

After being honorably discharged, Harold began his career in education as an Industrial Arts teacher at Shawnee High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where he spent the next seven years. Ultimately, Harold and Glory chose Phoenix as their home. He continued his career in the Phoenix Union High School District as an Industrial Arts teacher and was quickly recognized as an outstanding educator. He advanced to the position of Vice Principal and later, Principal. During his career he received many awards for his service including Principal of the Year 1999-2000. Harold also served as Athletic Director for the District before his official retirement. His excellent performance and role model status in each position he held influenced hundreds of students over the years of his service. He attributed his success to Persistence and hard work.

A deep and varied thinker, Harold’s interests were broad and diverse. Always the sports lover, Harold loved mimicking the popular sport’s announcers of the 50’s and 60’s and was most adept at his efforts. As a young man, Harold employed his fine wood-working skills to design and construct furniture such as footstools, tables and bookcases that became family treasures.

In retirement, Harold was an avid reader of the daily newspaper, books about history and biography, as well as works of fiction. He always had a twinkle in his eye when discussing current events and politics. He loved all things western, including western movies, artifacts, and art. He would spend hours watching reruns of Gunsmoke, shunning Bonanza as an “unwatchable.” The walls of Harold’s office are adorned with posters and art of his heroes, among them, Tuskegee Airmen nicknamed “Red Tail Angels,” Jackie Robinson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Mohammed Ali and President Barack Obama. His favorite music was from the 50s and 60s. Harold’s wide array of interests and hobbies contributed to a full and satisfying life.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Vernel and Leester, his sister Deloris, and brothers Felton and Vernell. He leaves to mourn his wife of 59 years, Glory, son Patrick and granddaughter Jasmine; three sisters, Rita Womack, Bowie, Maryland, Connie Williams, Anaheim Hills, California and Beverly (Charles) Roseborough, Olympia Fields, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Gladys Scott, Phoenix, Arizona and Maude Scott, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and two younger brothers, Rodney (Janice) Scott, Reston, Virginia, and Donald (Phyllis) Scott, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Left also to cherish his memory are a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Inquisitive. Funny. Smart. Harold will be remembered for his cooking and tinkering around the house but especially for lovingly caring for Glory, Patrick and Jasmine. His friends and family will forever hold his memory deeply in their hearts forever.