James Bethea Scott

James “Jim” Bethea Scott, 82, husband of Mercelene Haley Scott, died Monday, June 1, 2020 at his home. Born Dec. 6, 1937 in Dillon County, he was a son of the late Ben Scott and the late Eula Mae Bethea Scott. Jim was a member of New Salem Baptist Church and most recently attended First Baptist Church of Sumter. He grew up on a farm helping his family plant, tend and harvest crops. He also took care of their animals. In the late 60s and early 70s, Jim served on the Sumter Police Department. He was the owner of Hilldale Grocery. Survivors include two sons, Kelvin Gregory Scott of Lexington and William Trevis Scott of Sumter; two granddaughters, Maura Bethea Scott and Roslyn Vail Scott of Riverton, NJ; 4 siblings, Hazel Miller of Lake View, Emily Slocum (Edward); Ray Scott and Mary Russell (John Allen) all of Sumter; a sister-in-law, Janette Scott of Fork; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Bethea Scott; a brother, Ben Scott Jr.; a sister-in-law Sylvia Scott; and two brothers-in-laws, Joel Davis and Lide Miller. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Brett DeYoung and the Rev. Steve Miller officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.