Allen E. Scott

Let me warn you, this is not your traditional obituary. This is the story of a man as told by the people in his life who were closest to him. These are accounts of of love, laughter and life! It is the only and best way we could honor the man you knew and loved, Allen Scott.

Allen Earl Scott was born on June 24, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Andrew Earl Scott and Lela Bell Brown. He was the oldest son of 5 children and with that position in the birth order, spent his early years looking out for his younger siblings the way an older brother does. Often he would tell his daughters the story of how he placed cardboard in the bottom of his ratty shoes because they had holes in them. Despite his own needs, he would pass down the newer shoes and sacrifice so that his brothers could wear better shoes. It’s no wonder that as an adult, Allen sported the best shoes that his money could buy! You’ve seen the pictures, watched the video presentation and are a witness to the indisputable fact that Allen never stepped out of the house without a “cold blooded” brim and snake skinned shoes to match!

The Fighter

Growing up on the less affluent eastside of Cleveland, Allen learned to fight early and with that attitude, he fought long and hard for what he loved in this life: his family, his faith and his very life. He took great pride in loving the women in his life and dared anyone to do them harm. Allen learned over the years through test and trial how to care for each of his girls in his own very special way and it all began in 1973 when he snatched up the effervescent Jean Gardner. She was younger than he was and “from the other side of the tracks”. Jean’s parents gave him the side eye upon their first meeting but it was of no effect. They were in love and that love stood the test of time for 45 years; they married on June 1, 1974 and from that union, produced four beautiful daughters.

In 1986, Allen became a fervent believer in Jesus Christ and evangelized with great zeal. He worked and ministered with a team, reaching out to help men get off of drugs. He was ordained as an elder at Abundant Life Christian Center and later ordained as a minister at Key of Life Ministries where he served faithfully until his call home. Allen had a heart for men and always desired that men be present and take their place in the House of the Lord. He studied and learned to teach the Word and although life tested his faith, throughout his life, he remained resolute to his dedication to Christ. Even days prior to his last breathe when the surgeon asked if he should proceed with the surgery, Allen steadfastly exclaimed “I want to live.” He tenaciously fought until the very end.

His Joys

Allen had several occupations throughout his life but his position as a Group Leader of Custodial Services at Case Western Reserve University was one that brought him great satisfaction and joy. He loved hanging with the Floor Team and talking smack with the infamous Joe Cooper, the longstanding Director of the department. In his role, Allen oversaw cleaning and helped to manage a group of 20 people, finally retiring from Case in 2013.

He took pleasure in family gatherings and always wanted everyone together for soul food Sundays (especially the black eyed peas and cornbread) and football even when he fussed about his girls being too silly and loud, especially Amanda Joy who never stopped laughing in the most annoying way possible.

Known for being a sharp dresser and smooth on his feet, Allen enjoyed his time with friends. He loved to dance! If the lyrical grooves of The Spinners, Four Tops or Dramatics played, you could be certain that he and Jean were cutting a rug with a hand dance to those soulful sounds: “​Whenever you call me, I’ll be there, Whenever you want me, I’ll be there, Whenever you need me, I’ll be there, I’ll be around…”​If he could have it his way, Allen would drive around the city blasting these old school songs while riding in his favorite car, his 1978 chocolate brown Thunderbird, that he washed and waxed religiously!

His grandsons and granddaughter were his pride and joy. Those four girls, the apples’ of his eye. His church home, he cherished. Fishing, football, baseball, and golf he appreciated, but his love for bid whist was altogether his ultimate pastime.  He always enjoyed a good card party; music blasting in the background and fresh fish deep frying on the stove. When paired with his cousin, Bobby, they would always run a Boston on Jean and her partner. The Hester-Scott pair was a force to be reckoned with.   His love for family and friends was warm and genuine.

The resolute love and respect of Allen Earl Scott will be forever etched into the lives of his wife, Jean of Richmond Heights, Ohio; Daughters, Tangela Scott-Jones of South Euclid, Renita Scott of Shaker Heights, Alecia Scott of Richmond Heights and Amanda Joy Scott of Richmond Heights; Sisters, Jennie Thomas, Cleveland, Ohio, Darlene Scott, Cleveland, Ohio; Brothers, Gregory Scott, Cleveland, Ohio,and Anthony Brown (Delores) Euclid, Ohio. Allen’s love and legacy will continue to live on in his grandchildren Marquis Appling (Tangela Scott- Jones), Matthew Scott (Tangela Scott-Jones), Taylor Scott (Renita Scott), and Mason Jones (Tangela Scott-Jones). He is also survived by aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Allen was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Earl Scott, his mother Lela Bell Brown, grandparents Andrew and Augusta Scott and brother, Andrew Scott Jr.

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