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Mrs. Kathleen “Kat” Leonard Scott

7/10/1939 - 10/20/2026

Text:

Obituary For Mrs. Kathleen “Kat” Leonard Scott

Mrs. Kathleen Leonard Scott, affectionately known as “Kat”, age 87, transitioned to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Kathleen was born in Birchton, WV, to the late James Edward Leonard and Mary Bell Mitchell Leonard.

Education and Career

Kathleen began her education in Mt. Hope, WV. She attended DuBois High School before graduating from Mt. Hope High School in 1958. She continued her education at Bluefield State University, earned her bachelor’s degree from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, and completed her master’s degree at West Virginia University.

Kathleen began her teaching career in the Bronx, NY. Her love for education brought her back to Mt. Hope, where she continued teaching in the Mt. Hope Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher. She also shared her knowledge and passion for learning at Glenville State College.

Kathleen, after 30 years of dedicated service, retired from teaching. She loved and cherished every student she had the privilege of teaching, leaving a lasting impression on countless lives through her commitment, compassion, and dedication to education.

Faith and Community Service

Kathleen was a devoted, lifelong member of United Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Hope, WV. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she faithfully served on various church committees. She also church’s unofficial welcoming committee, always ready to greet everyone who walked through the doors with warmth and kindness.

Kathleen’s commitment to service extended well beyond the church. She was a passionate advocate and volunteer the Mt. Hope and Fayette County communities. She served her city as a member of City Council and in the role of City Recorder.
Kathleen was also involved with the DuBois High School Planning Committee and remained a proud, lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, affectionately known among her sorority sisters as a “Delta Dear.”

Kathleen’s life was a testament to faith, education, sisterhood, and service. She touched many lives through her work, her community involvement, and the genuine love she extended to others.

Those Who Preceded Her in Death

Kathleen, in addition to her parents, was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard “Red” Scott; son, Mark Portee; and siblings, Charles Leonard, James Leonard Jr., Donald Leonard, Leslie Leonard, Karl Dean Leonard (her twin brother), Geneva Leonard, Hattie Thelma Shockley, and Delores “Dee Dee” Leonard Jordan.

Those Left to Cherish Her Memory

Kathleen leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished memories, and a family who will forever hold her close in their hearts.
Kathleen leaves to cherish her memory her eldest son, Andre J. Portee of Mt. Hope, WV and her only daughter, Kathleen Naima Portee (Don) Sullivan of Suffolk, VA. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Howard Scott II, Lucretia Scott, and Nicole Scott; her beloved grandchildren are Hassan Portee, Haniff Murrell, Latif Portee, Jalil Portee, Roger Hickman III, Josiah Portee, Howard Andrew Scott III, Nicolas Scott Boxley, Alnisha Green (Aaron) Ellington, Jasmine Hickman (Rashad) Lowery, Amirah Portee (Akon) Thiam, Noel Hickman, Heleese Scott, Haaliyah Scott, and Haven Scott. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Hamadi Ellington, Azil Ellington, Rashad Lowery Jr., Jaquan Wise Jr., Isaiah Mark Lowery, Ahrisa Ellington, Joy Elle Sade Lowery, Vatani Marie Bell Lee, Journey Naima Carlita Lowery, Lea Naima Janay Lee, Avani Marie Portee, and her great-grandson, Zyire Ellington.

Kathleen is also survived by her sister and best friend, Betty Jean Leonard Salmon, and her brother, William “Bill” (Gwendolyn) Leonard, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Legacy of Love

Kathleen “Kat” Leonard Scott will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her dedication to education, her commitment to her community, her pride in her sorority, and, above all, her love for her family. Her warm spirit, welcoming heart, and the many lives she touched will continue to live on through the generations she leaves. Though she has transitioned to her Heavenly home, her love and legacy will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant. May she rest in eternal peace. Her children rise up and call her blessed!

Memorial service will be 12:00PM
Friday, October 30, 2026 at United Missionary Baptist Church 205 S. Fayette Ave. Mt. Hope.

Friends may visit with the family from 10:30AM - 12:00PM.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

  • 10/30/2026

    Gloria Brown

    Our condolences and prayers to the family of Mrs. Kathleen Scott, may the Minister of peace and comfort cover you all during this time of breavement. Pastor Charles & Gloria Brown Family

  • 10/29/2026

    Anthony STEVENS

    Auntie my heart ❤️ is heavy you was taken to soon my you rest in the Lords arms.

  • 10/29/2026

    Robbie Gray

    I don't know where to begin, I am still in disbelief. However, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my brothers sisters nieces nephews. You often told me that you promised my mother that you would look after us after her passing. You did such a great job she would be proud of you and she's gonna thank you and give you the biggest hug. You did a great job. You were there when we needed you for little things and really important things no one will ever or can't ever take your place. I'm gonna honor your wishes and write and read a poem that you too many times ask me to do so in your passing. Trust me it is one of the hardest ones I've ever had to write. I wasn't expecting to be writing so soon you said we would live to be 100, Lol! I love you. I am going to really miss you, but I know you want to be with Mark, Mayor Scott, Lol and Paul. And so many others please please take your eternal rest, but continue to watch over us

  • 10/28/2026

    Kathlina Maira (Leonard) Khaaliq

    Auntie, I love you forever...💜

  • 10/28/2026

    Marian Young

    Mrs Scott,was one of the sweetest persons you could ever meet, To her family I pray God's peace will unfold you,May she rest in peace. Evangelist Marian Young

  • 10/28/2026

    David Trimmer

    Kathleen: my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. David Trimmer

  • 10/25/2026

    Celeste Morgan

    Mrs. Scott was such a beautiful kind person. She never taught me but my two younger brothers did. She always had a smile and I God whispered and said it's time to come home. Celeste Morgan

  • 10/24/2026

    Maire Brosnan

    Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kathleen. We had the pleasure of meeting her while she was on holidays in Ireland 3 years ago and became friends. We will miss her letters and cards- she was such a kind lady . May she rest in peace Màire Brosnan and family in Carrigeen, Kerry Ireland

  • 10/22/2026

    Pastor Walter E Clay

  • 10/21/2026

    Eileen and Clifford

    Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Mrs Scott. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington

  • 10/20/2026

    Wilbert and Doris Boyden McCormick

    Mrs. Scott was such a beautiful lady. I don't think she ever met a stranger. Our deepest sympathy to her family because this is a tremendous loss for you. We will be in prayer for each of you.

  • 10/20/2026

    Diana nae manns carson

    May GOD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN YOU ALL THOUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME OF SORROW . LOVE THE CARSON'S .. ( NAE & SHEIK ) I💔

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