Shirley Ackel Scott

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Shirley Ann Ackel Scott, 79, on Monday, January 22, 2018, at 11 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches. Visitation will be observed at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home beginning at 9 am until 10:40 am. The Mass will be celebrated by her son, Rev. Michael Craig Scott of Alexandria and priests of the Diocese of Alexandria. Shirley was born on February 2, 1938, the fourth and youngest child of John Habib and Sadie Michael Ackel, both immigrants from Syria; she died on January 19, 2018, in Alexandria. Shirley graduated from St. Mary’s School in 1956. While in high school she was involved in many activities and served as head of the cheerleading squad during her senior year. She enrolled at Northwestern State College upon graduation, where she majored in home economics. She married Eugene Whitcomb Scott, Jr., on September 7, 1958. She spent most of her life as a homemaker and returned to Northwestern State University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in 1982. She was later employed at NSU as director of Student Employment and retired in 2003. She was a sustaining member of the Natchitoches Service League and a member of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Shirley will be remembered by her family and friends for her loyalty, candor, and unique way of looking at life. She dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren and was a trusted friend and confidante to many. She is predeceased by her parents; her siblings, J. Latief Ackel, William “Bill” Ackel, and Margaret Ackel Adkins; and her husband, Eugene W. Scott, Jr. She is survived by her children, Sadie S. Kelley of Nashville, TN; E. Whitcomb Scott, III of Houston, TX, and Rev. Michael Craig Scott of Alexandria, LA; her grandchildren, Zachary W. Scott, Alexandra “Allie” Scott, and Kylie Scott all of Houston, TX; her sister-in-law, Melba Ackel; as well as four nieces and three nephews. Pallbearers will be her nephews, William W. Ackel, John E. Ackel, Philip A. Ackel, and Adrian D. Williams; her grandson, Zachary W. Scott; and Kirk A. Kelley. Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Michael, Charles R. Whitehead, Jr., Drew Williams, and John G. Williams. Entombment will be in the Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, St. Anthony of Padua, Natchitoches or to St. Rita Catholic Church, Alexandria.