With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the long and remarkable life of Margaret Elmo (Leavell) Scott, age 98, of Benton, who passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Born in Russellville, Arkansas, to Buster and Margaret Leavell, Elmo grew up with a strong sense of faith, family, and community. She attended Arkansas Tech in Russellville, where she met the love of her life, Milton B. Scott. The two built a marriage rooted in love — a love story that lasted a lifetime.

Elmo's heart was never fuller than when she was surrounded by family. She delighted in every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing the ways they shaped one another's lives. Her home was a place of welcome, warmth, and encouragement.

Her love for children extended far beyond her own family. As co-founder and director of the Trinity Methodist Nursery School in Little Rock, Elmo poured 25 years of her life into creating a place where young children could grow, learn, and feel loved. Under her leadership, the nursery school became more than a program; it was a community of care, where parents found friendship and support, and children felt safe to explore the world around them. She greeted each child by name, celebrated their milestones, and treated every family as an extension of her own. Her legacy there lives on in the countless students and teachers, who carry forward the values she instilled.

After she and Milton moved to Benton, they became active members of First United Methodist Church of Benton. Following Milton's passing, Elmo returned to Trinity Methodist in Little Rock, where she found renewed fellowship and comfort. Trinity showed support with regular visits by Alice Browning during her time at Amberwood.

She was preceded in death by Milton, her beloved husband; her parents; and her brother, Marlin E. Leavell of Monticello, Arkansas. She is survived by her children, Ann Townsend (Randy) of Benton and Ed Scott (Patricia) of Wilson, Wyoming; her grandchildren, Ashley Wilcox (Jeff), Stacy Townsend (Scott), Scott Townsend, Brian Scott (Meghan), and Laura Marks (Kyle); and her great-grandchildren, Jacob Scott, Ellison Scott, and Wiley Scott.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, August 18, at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral service will be held at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM. with burial to follow at Scott Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elmo Scott Playground Fund in care of Trinity Methodist Nursery School, 1101 N Mississippi St., Little Rock, AR 72207.

Elmo's life was a testament to the power of love, service, and joy. She gave her heart freely, shaped lives quietly and profoundly, and leaves behind a legacy of compassion that will endure.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com