Scottie Alton Johnson

Photograph of Scottie, obtained from Unity Funeral Home.

Scottie Alton Johnson, Jr., affectionately called “Little Scottie” by friends and family, passed away on August 1, 2020 from COVID-19-related complications while he was incarcerated at Bullock Correctional Facility in Houston County, Alabama. Scottie was born on January 30, 1975 to Scottie Alton Johnson and Wanda Payton in Dothan, Alabama. He was a fan of Florida State football and loved playing Scrabble. The 45-year-old son and brother enjoyed spending time with his parents, his brother Eric, and his sister Kidada Henderson, who cherish his memory and miss him dearly.

Scottie was hospitalized on July 31, and he passed away one day later. Although he tested negative for COVID-19 upon his arrival, an autopsy later revealed he had died from complications with COVID-19. The comments left on the tribute wall of his obituary reveal his loved ones’ devastation. One early friend wrote, “Gone miss u my friend! you were one of my best childhood friends bro...……….rest well Scottie.” Another person who referred to Scottie as his “cousin” wrote that he “looked up” to Scottie from “when i was 10 years old.” “Gone But Never Forgotten. RIP,” wrote another.

Scottie’s premature death was unnecessary and preventable. Alabama prison facilities finally began taking significant steps to mitigate COVID-19 transmission only months after the pandemic began in earnest; these actions came too late and are too few. Scottie will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. 

This memorial was written by MOL team member Claire Lee with information from an obituary by Unity Funeral Home, Howard Koplowitz of Montgomery Real-Time News, and an announcement from the Alabama Department of Corrections.