Edward "Levi" Scott

Edward Levi Scott, son of Birdie and Edward Scott, was born on May 13, 1946, in New Albany, Indiana. Levi was an elementary student in the final graduating class of the segregated Griffith Street School. Additionally, he was educated at Hazelwood and Scribner Junior Highs and New Albany High School.

Levi was an industrious and enterprising man. He was drafted into the military and served in the United States Army. Levi worked at local businesses, including Browns Flooring, B.F. Goodrich, and General Electric. After quickly realizing that "GE wasn't me" and exhausted with the labor practices that routinely laid off Black workers to prevent them access to union membership and job security, Levi pursued a career as a firefighter. Levi's Uncle Hoarce Issac used his community connections to secure his great-nephew a career with the New Albany Fire Department. His skill and leadership resulted in his promotion to Captain. During his tenure with the New Albany Fire Department, he was a charter member of the International Federation of Black Firefighters, a professional union for Black fire professionals. Levi retired as a Captain in 1997.

Levi utilized the G.I. Bill to fund his business study at Sullivan College. He managed a punishing schedule of fighting fires, driving for the American Red Cross, maintaining his purchased rental properties, and attending night classes, all to support his family. Ultimately, combining his business learning and hands-on expertise sparked his most successful enterprise, Ed Scott Properties. His construction company created housing for families across New Albany and Louisville.

The legendary 'life of the party' and civic leader, Levi was a member of the Shriners, St. John's Masonic Lodge, and the Yearlings Club of Louisville. He was a Trustee at Wesley United Methodist and Jones Memorial AME Zion Churches. Levi could often be found frying fish for a lodge fish fry, repairing a water heater at the church, or selling turkey drumsticks at the Wesley booth during the Harvest Homecoming Festival. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, attending concerts and events, and listening to music, while enjoying a high ball on the back patio. Levi was married to Gwendolyn Howell for over 45 years. He will be greatly missed by his children, Monique (Darryl) Clay, Everitt Scott, and Dr. Erica (Brandon) Lawrence.

Levi was preceded in death by Birdie and Edward Scott, siblings Lillian Reed, James and Earl Jackson, and Lansing and Patricia Lewis. He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Howell Scott; sister Marcia (Charles) Booker; and brother, Stryder (Robin) Lewis. Mourners include grandchildren, Christopher Mays, Mariah Mays, Aaron (Megan) Scott, Cierra Scott, Gabrelle Scott, Isabelle Scott, Georgia Lawrence, and Edward James Lawrence. He leaves two great-grandsons, Hendrix Eli Mays and Jaxyn Beau Scott; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. The family of Edward Levi Scott is grateful for the professional and sensitive care from Hosparus of Southern Indiana following his valiant cancer fight.

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