TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR ELSIE WILLENE SCOTTON HARLEY May 28, 1943 – February 1, 2026

By Christina Harley

Elsie Willene Scotton Harley was born on May 28, 1943, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, to the late Rev. Willie and Elsie Scotton. Willene was a graduate of College Hill High School and earned her degree in Business from Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University, presently known as Tennessee State University. Willene subsequently obtained her master’s degree from Pepperdine University in California.

From her mother, Willene inherited, among many things,her steadfastness, and beautiful sewing skills. From her father, Willene emulated his value of education as well as his keen sense of responsibility. Willene’s public service was extensive. Being a self- taught pianist, Willene led Musical Worship for her father’s church, the Dalton Church of God of Prophecy, the Compton Church of God of Prophecy, and the National City Church of God of Prophecy. More recently, Willene extended her many talents to include playing the harp. In addition to being an accomplished musician, Professor Harley served in Forestry in Cleveland, Tennessee. She established her nonprofit, CTC, Career Training Center, which, among many contributions, mentored and supported young adults in reaching their highest potential, and espoused personal integrity as a cornerstone of one’s life.

Willene dedicated her professional life to education. She served in the Los Angeles Unified School District by first teaching at Los Angeles High School, then transitioning to Vice Principal, and Dean of Girls. Willene later began her long tenure as a Professor of Business at Grossmont College in San Diego from 1976 until her retirement in 2014, completing 34 years of distinguished service. She was deeply respected by colleagues and students alike for her knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Willene was known for her radiant smile and her love for family, especially her devoted daughter, Christina. She often shared her favorite words of wisdom: “Wherever you are, God is,” and from Dr. Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you say, and people will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Clarence Harley; her sister, Roma Scotton; and her niece, Nichole Scotton. She is survived by her daughter and caregiver, Christina Harley of San Diego, California; sisters Cynthia (Donald) Humes of Cleveland, Tennessee; Gwendolyn Scotton of Las Vegas, Nevada; Lavinia (Terrial) Johnson of Cleveland, Tennessee; and Prisavia Croft (Jeff) of Birchwood, Tennessee; brothers Carl (Ann) of Tacoma, Washington; Thomas (Connie) of Cleveland, Tennessee; Lionel of Cleveland, Tennessee; and Stefen Scotton (Tiffany) of Raleigh, North

Carolina; sister-in-law Monica Harley of San Bernardino, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Professor Elsie Willene Scotton Harley, 82, of San Diego, California, passed away on February 1, 2026, in San Diego, California. Christina Harley, Playwright, is the daughter of Professor Harley.