Myrtle Anderson Scott was the first lady of the New Bethlehem Baptist Church.
She died Nov. 5, 2012. She was 98.
She was born on April 1, 1914, the eldest daughter of the late Stewart and Ila V. Anderson.
She attended the schools in Richmond, Va., graduating from Armstrong High School.
She was baptized at an early age at Fifth Street Baptist Church in Richmond. She attended Virginia Union University where she and the late Rev. James F. Scott became an item. They married on June 24, 1936, in Fifth Street Baptist Church. The couple had two daughters.
She was a priceless asset to her husband throughout their 31 years of marriage. She led the choirs of two churches pastored by Rev. Scott before coming to Philadelphia.
In October of 1942, New Bethlehem Baptist Church extended a call to the late Rev. Scott who was then the pastor of the Second Baptist Church, South Richmond, Virginia. The Scotts soon moved to Philadelphia, where she continued her studies in music at the Conservatory of Music. Scott taught piano to many, the young and old. She had a love for music as demonstrated by the parade of music students from Monday of each week after school through to Saturday morning until noon.
Scott was faithful in New Bethlehem Baptist Church. In her senior years, she sang on the choir. She was a member of the Queen Esther Auxiliary until her health began to fail. She was the assistant minister of music for New Bethlehem, director of the Scott’s Inspirational Chorus and director of NBBC Day Care Center.
“Myrtle moved quietly and unassumingly throughout the church, winning the love of the people through her sweet smile and pleasant disposition,” her family said.
In addition to the church, Scott was also active in the Larchwood community for the United Heart Fund Charity.
Scott was preceded in death by her brother, Eugene Anderson; sister, Ila Greene and daughter, Janice Christine.
She is survived by her daughter, Ila Grace; brother, Stewart Anderson and other relatives and friends.
Services were held Nov. 10 at New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Preston and Aspen Streets. Viewing was at 9:30 a.m. Services followed at 10:30 a.m.
James L. Morse Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
