Willis Howard Scott

Willis Howard Scott, 82, of Waco, entered his Heavenly Home on January 25, 2022.

Visitation: This event has been canceled due to weather conditions Thursday, February 3, 2022, 6 – 8 PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel

Funeral Service: 11AM Friday, February 4, 2022, at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Doris Miller Memorial Park (Postponed Burial). Click here to View the Live Stream of the Service.

Willis Howard Scott was born January 5, 1940 in Waco to the parentage of Theodore R. and M.D. Scott.  He began playing music at an early age and like many of his siblings, honed his guitar and singing skills in the church.  Growing up, he received his education at AJ Moore Elementary, J. Newton Jenkins School, and was in the first senior class of G.W. Carver (Class of ’58).  Willis was a protective big brother, and he often avoided punishment at home by being silly and making his mother laugh.  Shortly after joining the U.S. Army, he married Laura Mae Walker in 1958 (deceased).  From this union, he adopted three sons.  While in the army he fought in the Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1962 in Cuba.  Later in life, he attended Paul Quinn College.  In 1981, Willis sat on his mother’s backdoor step and heard a message preached from a nearby tent revival.  The message was preached by Bishop A. LaDell Thomas, Sr., and Willis made his confession and received the Holy Ghost that night.  Willis was affectionately known by his relatives and friends as Shawty, Bubba, and Pops.  Willis was an ordained elder.  He was a faithful member of Gospel Lighthouse COGIC, under the pastorage of Supt. Major Clayton, Jr.  Later he joined New Branch Worship Center, under the leadership of his brother, Pastor Lawrence E. Scott, Sr.  In addition to ministry, he was a very talented tile setter by trade.  In 1989, Willis united in marriage with Missionary Thelma E. Scarlett-Dixon (deceased).  She was the apple of his eye, and they were blessed with 24 years of Holy matrimony.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whittling sticks, and playing his guitars.  Elder Scott was currently under the pastorage of Elder Lawrence Scott, Jr. at New Branch Worship Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Thelma Scarlett-Scott; siblings:  Juanita McMillian, Ora Lee Scott, Sam and Samuel Scott (twins), Theodore R. Scott Jr., Baby Scott, Opal King, Graham Scott, Bobby Ray Scott, and Lawrence E. Scott Sr.; and two step-sons, Roderick Scott & Juwaun Scott.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, siblings, Missionary Eloise Shivers, Evangelist Fannie Roberson, Franklin D. Scott, Willie Joe Scott, Evangelist Inez McClendon, Elder Oliver Scott (Evelyn), and Minister Kenneth Scott; step-children, Mr. Henry Dixon (Wanda), Lady Lillian Thomas (Richard), Pastor Allen Dixon Sr. (Lisa), KeAndrea Spivey (Christopher), and “Tutu” Scott (adopted son); loyal nephew and caregiver, Lawrence Scott Jr.; loyal niece and caregiver, Shaunte’ Scott-Stewart; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708