It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michele "Mikie" Blache Scott, who departed the earthly world on August 16, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michele was born on February 12, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to doting, loving, married parents, Mary E. Beverly and Louis G. Blache.

Michele was a dedicated student. The high marks she earned at Parker High School in Chicago won her a scholarship to Southern Illinois University.  A plot twist would ultimately land her at the "family" alma mater, Kentucky State College (now University), where two previous generations of her family attended college. It was a fateful turn of events. It was there in Frankfurt, KY that she would receive both a bachelor's degree in Sociology and the admiration of the man who would become her husband.

In her professional life, Michele served the Employment Security Commission for the State of North Carolina. She became the first Black female manager for the agency with her promotion to manager of the Oxford, NC office. Later, she would receive another managerial promotion and be responsible for the offices covering four counties in northeastern North Carolina. This promotion would relocate the family to Elizabeth City, NC. She served the state for 25 years before retiring. Her commitment and hard work were evident throughout her career, leaving a lasting impact on those with whom she worked.

Michele also had a heart to serve the community throughout her life. Her volunteer service is a long list and included the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees, Girl Scouts of America, American Legion, St. Peter's United Methodist Church, Kiwanis International, and the Food Bank of the Albemarle. She also enjoyed her membership in the NC Heisey Study Group and Heisey Collectors of America, Inc.

Outside of work, Michele enjoyed various hobbies, including bingo, fine dining, antiques and collectibles, travel, and spending time with her family and friends. She was also an avid viewer of television talent shows, from the vintage Star Search to the modern America's Got Talent. In the evenings when she wasn't at bingo, her regular TV lineup included Judge Judy, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune.

Michele was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Beverly, her sister, Linda V. Anderson, and her beloved husband, Frank P. Scott, Jr. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage. She is survived by her father, Louis G. Blache and stepsister, Dyanne; children, Frachele R. V. Scott of Durham, North Carolina, and Frank P. Scott, III, and his wife Sandra of Copenhagen, Denmark. This loss is mourned by her granddaughter, Morgan B. Scott; nephews, John Harris and Marc Buchanan; grandnieces, Shanelle, Jordan, and Karli; special friends, Terry, Nora, Dacia, Cynni, and Red; and a host of relatives and dear friends.

Celebration services are being held in various locations around the country. The first celebration occurred Sunday, August 25, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Michele spent her childhood summers.  An in-person viewing will take place on Sunday, September 1st, at Pretlow & Sons Funeral Home in Chesapeake, Virginia, from 3pm to 5pm. A funeral service to celebrate Michele's life will be held at St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Oxford, NC on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1pm with Reverend Kathy Newton-Dunton officiating. And, finally, Michele's internment will be Monday, September 9, 2024 at Lincoln Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.

"I must leave you. Please don't grieve, only remember that I love you. Live on! And do all things the same and never be afraid to die." --Michele Scott

You can join the service livestream at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at: https://www.facebook.com/PretlowandSons