Funeral services for Judith “Judy” Wangelin Scott, 81, a retired Poplar Bluff educator and community leader who died Saturday, July 16, 2022, are planned for Friday morning at the Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Home on Iron Bridge Road off Highway PP.
A two-hour visitation will begin at 9 Friday with a funeral service at 11. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. William Vail, longtime pastor at First Baptist Church, and the Rev. David Stewart, lead pastor at First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.
Born on March 4, 1941, in St. Louis, Mrs. Scott considered herself a native of Poplar Bluff, where she graduated from high school in 1959 and spent her life as a high school and college teacher and administrator. She died Saturday evening at her home at 1280 Barron Road, surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Scott was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, about 12 years ago and since experienced kidney failure and lung cancer, along with other illnesses. She had been hospitalized twice recently, but continued in declining health.
Born Judith Arlene Wangelin, she seldom disclosed her middle name and was content to be known simply as “Judy.” She was sharp-witted and did not suffer fools well. But she nurtured a warm heart and willingness to help her dedicated students that made her a legendary instructor among several generations.
While a student at Stephens College in Columbia, Judy met a tall, wiry Mizzou Tigers basketball player from a tiny village in Ozark County, Missouri. His name was Louie Joe Scott. He turned out to be the love of her life. They were married on June 23, 1962.
“The Gainesville Gunner,” as Joe became known, still holds Mizzou’s single game scoring record – 46 points -- after 61 years, an especially notable accomplishment because it occurred before college basketball had a three-point shot.
After Joe completed law school in 1966, he and Judy moved to Poplar Bluff, where he joined the law firm of her father and she began her career in education.
Surviving Mrs. Scott are her husband; a son, John Scott (Kendra); and two grandchildren, Jack Scott and Kate Scott. She was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Harris Scott; her parents, U.S. District Judge H. Kenneth Wangelin and Freda Buffington Wangelin; and an infant sister.
The family has asked that any memorials be in the form of donations to the First United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO, 63901, or the United Gospel Rescue Mission, 421 W. Pine Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO, 63901.
Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is proud to serve the family and friends of Judith Wangelin Scott.
Online condolences can be offered at www.cwrfcs.com.