Judy Long Scott

Frances J Long Scott (Judy), 86, lifelong resident of Birmingham, Alabama died on July 17th after complications from chemotherapy for lymphoma. She was born November 6, 1934 in Birmingham, Alabama, daughter of the late Thelma Self McCarter and Harold McCarter. She was a beloved wife, mother, and great/grandmother, a treasured member of McElwain Baptist Church, and a loyal member of the Grandview Medical Center Auxiliary Board. She is survived by her husband, Jim Scott; her three daughters and their husbands, Penny Long Marler and Kirk Hadaway, Pam and Greg Steele, and Becky and David Zimmerman; and her grandchildren, Dawson and Ashley Zimmerman , Carter and Alison Zimmerman, Walker and Sally Zimmerman, Grady Steele, and Lindy and Michael Prevatt; and many cherished friends and extended family members.

Judy graduated from West End High School and Auburn University, class of 1955. While at Auburn, she was an officer in Delta Zeta, a Glomerata Favorite, and was a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in education. There Judy met and married Jim Long and was happily married for 51 years. She began her career in education at Irondale and Pizitz Middle schools and was a trusted guidance counselor at Vestavia Hills High School for over 25 years.

Judy served her church and her community with dedication and joy. She was a faithful member of McElwain Baptist Church for 60 years, participating in the Loving Touch Ministry to homebound members and teaching Sunday school to all ages. She was active in the volunteer auxiliary for Baptist Montclair, Trinity Medical Center, and Grandview Medical Center. In her 30 years of service, she served as vice president for two terms and president for two terms.

Judy enjoyed participating in garden club, playing cards, and ballroom dancing. She was an avid Auburn fan and never missed a chance to cheer on the Tigers! Most of all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. In 2018, a longtime family friendship turned into a late-in-life romance and partnership. Judy married Jim Scott on January 6, 2018 and they shared three and half wonderful, adventurous years together.

Judy was unfailingly generous and unabashedly proud of her daughters. She built a foundation upon which her family always felt supported and it was her deepest joy to see her grandchildren thrive. As her youngest grandson put it, Judy was “the anchor that holds us steady in the storm.” This wife, mother, and friend lived her life to glorify God and to serve Him well. We will miss her deeply.

Visitation is Wednesday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Hope Community Church (formerly McElwain Baptist Church) with the funeral service beginning at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Community Church Sharing Hope Missions Fund or the Jim Long Scholarship or www.zimmermanonmission.com.