LeKita Vaney Scott Dawkins

On December 30, 2025, LeKita Vaney Scott Dawkins, Ph.D., age 54, was called home to be with our Heavenly Father after a private and courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Dell Bullard Scott, and her grandparents, Robert and Verdell Palmer Bullard and Abe and Mary Fletcher Scott.

The daughter of Don Lewis Scott and the late Barbara Dell Bullard Scott, LeKita was born November 15, 1971, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Her arrival was met with unsurpassed joy that continued throughout her days. She was a sweet, bubbly baby who captured the hearts of her entire family and was adored by her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who affectionately referred to her as "Kita-Kat."

LeKita began her Christian walk at an early age. She often participated in youth and young adult programs at the family churches, including Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church, and Grace Evangelical Baptist Church, all of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. As a toddler, LeKita and her parents moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, before returning to Pine Bluff where she would begin her early education. Upon her return she had the opportunity to attend Scott's Daycare, founded and operated by her grandmother Mary Scott. LeKita's adolescence was enriched by the love and joy of her first cousins. Beyond this group, she embraced, cherished, and respected the kinship of her uncles, aunts, cousins, and for sure her grandparents until their deaths. Her love for family was often demonstrated in her quest to better know each of these many individuals better.

At home, LeKita welcomed two siblings, six years apart, first Shea Scott-Bey and then Jason Scott. She was a loving big sister, fit for the role. Though they were far apart in years, LeKita included Shea and Jason in all things. Their bond became a lifelong strength. Throughout their lives, LeKita was the steady hand, the protector, the relentless board game champion, the editor-in-chief, the secret keeper, and the joy instigator.

LeKita found her academic footing as an undergraduate at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1992. While she was on the yard, she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with "The Unified Thirty-Five" in Spring 1991. From this sisterhood grew lifelong friendships that LeKita cherished deeply. In 1994, she earned a Master of Education from Texas A&M University.

As a lifelong student, she continued her academic journey at Florida State University, where she earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education in 2000. Her doctoral dissertation on fundraising for Historically Black Colleges and Universities was widely recognized for its insight and contribution to strengthening institutions rooted in access, equity, and empowerment. Her time at FSU was also rich in friendship and community, including her beloved circle known as "The Fab Five." She was co-editor of the book Journey to the Ph.D.: How to Navigate the Process as African Americans, a roadmap and source of encouragement for men and women of color pursuing terminal degrees. She was also a co-founding member of the Sisters of the Academy (SOTA) Institute, an organization rooted in sisterhood, scholarship, and collective success. Brilliant and precise, LeKita loved words, learning, and the power of well-placed encouragement.

LeKita's professional journey led her to Orangeburg, South Carolina, where she joined Claflin University and met the love of her life, Gary Allen Dawkins. They first met at Claflin's Faculty and Staff Welcome Back Luncheon, a Hawaiian luau-themed gathering where LeKita welcomed attendees with leis and her unmistakable smile. Gary often said that when he saw her smile, he knew he wanted to get to know her.

Their relationship grew into a partnership marked by faith, laughter, and purpose. Gary believed God brought LeKita to him with intentional care, and the two complemented each other beautifully. They loved being together, strengthened one another, and pushed each other toward their highest potential. In a proposal that perfectly matched LeKita's love of words and games, Gary set up her favorite game, Scrabble, already arranged to spell "MARRY ME." He gave her the ring she dreamed of, and the ring he knew she deserved. They married in May 2009 in Orangeburg, SC.

The couple relocated to Syracuse, New York, where LeKita served as Director of Foundation Relations at Syracuse University. She secured millions in foundation support while cultivating meaningful relationships and mentoring students as an Adjunct Instructor. While in Syracuse, LeKita and Gary built lifelong friendships and a home filled with warmth, humor, and faith.

In 2012, they welcomed their daughter, Grace Adell Dawkins, and LeKita's love took on new depth. Grace's kindhearted curiosity, her desire to understand how things work, and her instinct to help others reach their best were reflections of LeKita's own spirit. LeKita delighted in watching Grace stretch and thrive, whether in swimming, piano, French, acting, or meeting new friends, always cheering her on toward excellence.

LeKita also had a parenting question that became family language. When Grace didn't like an instruction, LeKita would gently ask, "What am I here to do?" and Grace would reply, "To keep me healthy and safe." That simple call-and-response captured LeKita's steady devotion and protective love. LeKita's dream for Grace was clear: that she would be her own individual, find what makes her happy, pursue excellence, and always keep God first.

In 2021, LeKita and Gary relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Gary serves as Lead Pastor of Mercy Vineyard Church. LeKita faithfully served in various capacities, often behind the scenes, ensuring the church's work was strong and sustainable. She poured into the lives of women in the church with time, encouragement, and steadfast support. Most notably, she initiated and spearheaded Mercy's outreach partnerships with Children of Incarcerated Caregivers and My Very Own Bed, reflecting the heart she and Gary shared for children in need and service to the most vulnerable. She also faithfully served through Mercy's Alpha group and community efforts including Every Meal at North East College Prep.

While in Minneapolis, LeKita continued her affiliation with Jack and Jill of America, Inc., worked with Community Action Partnership, and served as a grant writer and researcher for Vineyard USA and the National Organization of Research Development Professionals. Her professional journey was more than a career; it was a calling. Through her work, LeKita opened doors, created opportunity, and left an enduring legacy that will continue to uplift generations.

LeKita's faith was not performative; it was anchored. She trusted God at every turn and encouraged others even when she was carrying more than most people knew. When Gary was called to pastoral leadership in Minneapolis during the pandemic and a season of social unrest, LeKita stood with courageous trust, often reflecting that if God could call Abraham and Sarah to move and provide for them, He would do the same for their family. The final Scripture LeKita wrote and reflected on in her journal was Psalm 55:22: "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." Those words did not simply comfort her; they described her.

Even in her most challenging season, LeKita pressed forward with courage and dignity. She kept her suffering private, continued to work through Zoom meetings, and kept encouraging others to reach their full potential. She continued caring for others, even making sure Gary continued giving to people in need when she was no longer able to do so herself. In Gary's words, she reflected the Spirit of Jesus. She represented God well.

LeKita also carried joy with her. She loved to dance, and she would smile and get moving whenever her theme song came on: "Brick House" by The Commodores.

Left to celebrate LeKita's life are her husband Gary Allen Dawkins and their daughter Grace Adell Dawkins of Minneapolis, MN; her father Don Lewis Scott of Ormond Beach, FL; her sister Shea Scott-Bey (Brian) of Randolph, NJ and brother Jason Patrick Scott of Plainfield, NJ; her mother-in-law Yvonne Jacqueline Clark Dawkins of Baltimore, MD and brother-in-law Brian Eric Dawkins of Baltimore, MD; two aunts, Jerline Bullard of Pine Bluff, AR and Josephine Adams of Pine Bluff, AR; an uncle Dennis Roy Scott (Carol) of Pine Bluff, AR; a nephew Lorne Allen Dawkins of Baltimore, MD; and a host of cousins, extended family, and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Morning Glory Montessori, reflecting LeKita’s deep love for children and her enduring commitment to serving the most vulnerable.