Jean Scott

On Monday, February 14th, Emily Jean Bradsher Scott died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. Jean was born July 18,1925 in Denver, Colorado, the fourth of seven children of Mary Emily Jones and Jacob Thompson Bradsher. When she was five years old her family returned to Milton, the place she loved and called home for more than 90 years. Her affection for Milton and its people is well-documented in “Milton Memories,” her weekly Caswell Messenger column which she wrote with great pleasure for more than 14 years. She was educated in the public schools of her community and graduated from Lees-McRae College in 1943. Following graduation she worked through the War years as a medical secretary at Danville Memorial Hospital and Dan River Mills. In 1986, after 25 years with the Postal Service, she retired as Milton’s Postmaster. Jean was a long-time, faithful member of Connally United Methodist Church. In September, 1945 she married John Martin Scott, her husband of 59 years, who died in 2004. Jean was utterly devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom survive her. Her children: John Martin Scott, Jr. (Sharon), Emily Jones Scott Irving (John), Lena Caroline Scott Keener (John), and Bradsher Thompson Scott (Janice). Her grandchildren: Mary Wilson Kearney (David), Thomas Sheridan Sadler III (Juley), Catherine Martin Scott, Louisa Scott Irving (Bryan), Caroline Moore Irving, John Bradsher Keener (Duncan), Margaretta Conway Scott, Lauren Michelle Hughett, and Thomas Matthew Hughett (Beth). Her great-grandchildren: John Reese Kearney, Jack Thomas Kearney, Thomas Sheridan Sadler IV, Charles Noble Sadler, and John Madison Keener. Jean is also survived by her brother, Sidney Preston Bradsher, sister Martha Ann Bradsher Spencer and nine nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Ella Ray Chacey, and brothers Dr. Jacob Thompson Bradsher, Jr., James Franklin Bradsher, and Ronald Sutton Bradsher. Her family extends its sincere appreciation to each of her innumerable friends whose friendship, kindness, and affection have sustained her, enriched her life, and given her great joy. The help of so many allowed her to remain independent, and have a vibrant and full life. A special debt of gratitude is owed to Candie Carver, her companion and assistant for seven years, and to Nancy Meeler and Betty King. The burial service will be private. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, April 16th at 2:00 PM at Connally United Methodist Church. For those who may wish to do so, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Milton Renaissance Foundation in support of the Museum of Milton. The Milton Renaissance Foundation, P.O. Box 86, Milton, NC 27305, is a 501c3 tax deductible organization.