Scott Heckstall

Scott Heckstall was born on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, in 1926, to Scott Whitman Heckstall and Martha Turner in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the eldest of four children. Scott’s parents raised their family with strong Christian values in the Lutheran church where his mother, Martha, was an organist. Scott lost his mother at the very tender age of six. As a result, Scott, without his siblings, was sent to Campostello, Virginia to be raised by his maternal grandmother throughout his elementary school years. Scott returned to Baltimore and from that point on was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1944 were immediately upon graduation was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. Scott served in an all-Black segregated unit in Burma (now Myan Mar) until the war ended in 1945, and returned once again to Baltimore, Maryland. Scott entered Morgan State College under the GI Bill where he met his college sweetheart, Elaine, both music majors. While attending Morgan State, Scott pledged and became a Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Beta Alpha Chapter; and later in life became a Brother of Delta Lambda’s Graduate Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. Scott went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in 1950 and soon married Elaine and raised a family of three children – Scott Jeffrey, Gail Sandra, and Brian David (Alpha Phi Alpha). Scott supported his young family with his day job of working for the Social Security Administration for 30 years, and moonlighting as a union musician, playing the piano at the renowned Baltimore’s Royal Theater, where he played for performers such as The Temptations, Wilson Pickett, Jerry Butler, and The Marvellettes, just to name a few. Scott never forgot his Christian roots and eventually became organist at Providence Baptist Church where he served for over 50 years. Providence became the Heckstalls’ family church home where Reverend Marcus G. Wood presided. Scott was an avid reader and a proponent of education and was always up for a good debate whether it be politics, civil rights, or finances. With Elaine at his side, Scott also became a globetrotter, traveling to Canada, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, with their favorite destination being Las Vegas, Nevada. Even though Scott traveled the world, he was happiest at home in his pajamas, plaid robe, slippers, and the infamous stocking cap. Scott lost his beloved wife of 55 years in January of 2007, and continued living in the family home on Fox Meadow Road, lovingly cared for by his son and daughter-in-law Jeffrey and Jetta. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, called Scott home on April 18, 2025, at the age of ninety-nine. He succeeds both parents, and three siblings – Melvin, Hannah, and Aubrey. He leaves to mourn in his passing: his son Jeffrey, daughter-in-law, Jetta, granddaughter Kristin; bonus grandsons Kevin and Larry; daughter Gail, son-in-law Peter, grandson Ryan; son Brian, daughter in-law Kimberlee, and grandsons Devin and David. Extended family members include great grandchildren London, Logan, Rassan, and Malachi. There are additional generations of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless family and friends. May Scott’s memory bring comfort to those who loved him. And may he rest in peace.

Tributes

Scott Heckstall

February 14, 1926 - April 18, 2025