Coretta Scott was the third of four children born to Obadiah "Obie" Scott (1899–1998) and Bernice McMurry Scott (1904–1996) in Marion, Alabama.

 Coretta Scott was the third of four children born to Obadiah "Obie" Scott (1899–1998) and Bernice McMurry Scott (1904–1996) in Marion, Alabama. 



She was born in her parents' home with her paternal great-grandmother Delia Scott, a former slave, presiding as midwife. 


Coretta's mother became known for her musical talent and singing voice. As a child Bernice attended the local Crossroads School and only had a fourth grade education. Bernice's older siblings, however, attended boarding school at the Booker T. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute. The senior Mrs. Scott worked as a school bus driver, a church pianist, and for her husband in his business ventures. She served as Worthy Matron for her Eastern Star chapter and was a member of the local Literacy Federated Club.


Obie, Coretta's father, was the first black person in their neighborhood to own a truck. Before starting his own businesses he worked as a fireman. Along with his wife, he ran a barber shop from their home and later opened a general store. He also owned a lumber mill, which was burned down by white neighbors after Scott refused to sell his mill to a white logger. 


Her maternal grandparents were Mollie (née Smith; 1868 - d.) and Martin van Buren McMurry (1863 - 1950) - both were of African-American and Irish descent. Mollie was born a slave to plantation owner Jim Blackburn and Adeline (Blackburn) Smith. 


Coretta's maternal grandfather, Martin, was born to a slave of Black Native American ancestry, and her white master who never acknowledged Martin as his son. He eventually owned a 280-acre farm. 


Because of his diverse origins, Martin appeared to be White; however, he displayed contempt for the notion of passing. As a self-taught reader with little formal education, he is noted for having inspired Coretta's passion for education. 


Coretta's paternal grandparents were Cora (née McLaughlin; 1876 - 1920) and Jefferson F. Scott (1873 - 1941). Cora passed away before Coretta's birth. Jeff Scott was a farmer and a prominent figure in the rural black religious community; he was born to former slaves Willis and Delia.


Coretta Scott's parents intended for all of their children to be educated. Coretta quoted her mother as having said, "My children are going to college, even if it means I only have but one dress to put on."




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