Scott was born on a farm in LaFayette, Alabama, USA, on 9 September 1904. She was the ninth of 14 children. Her parents instilled in her the importance of church service, community outreach, and civic awareness, values that Scott embraced throughout her entire life.

At some point, she married Bruce Scott. The couple had three children: Benzia Jackson, Mary Smith, and George Scott. They also adopted a daughter, Virginia Byrd. Her only son, George, was a founding member of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. He performed with the Grammy Award-winning gospel group until his death in 2005.

In 1956, she and her husband moved to Atlanta and became active members of Smith Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. However, three years later, he passed away. Despite her loss, she devoted herself to working in several church auxiliaries. To assist working mothers, Scott frequently offered babysitting services free of charge. Additionally, at church, she actively encouraged young adults who were struggling with their faith to return to the community.

Scott passed away of pneumonia at Emory Midtown Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on 30 June 2015, at the age of 110 years, 294 days. She was survived by her daughter and an adopted daughter, five grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 32 great-great grandchildren, and 5 great-great-great-grandchildren.