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...