Jeffery Scott McWhorter

Jeffery Scott McWhorter, 41, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Scott was born on October 10, 1984, in Midland, Texas, to Lisa (McAnulty) and Jeffery Wayne McWhorter. Scott spent his childhood with his mother and stepfather, Jeffrey D. Avra, in Jackson, Mississippi, visiting his father in Texas over summer breaks where he developed his love of mountain biking. He attended Jackson Academy from elementary through high school. The family relocated to Austin, TX in 2003. He earned his bachelor's degree from Texas State University in San Marcos. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Southern Methodist School of Law in 2013. After law school, he joined Cambium Learning Group, where he worked as general counsel before leaving the profession in early 2021.

Scott met Emily Cole while he was a student at Texas State and she was a student at The University of Texas at Austin. They moved to Dallas in 2010 when Scott started law school at SMU and Emily began her teaching career. They were married in Buda, Texas, on June 13, 2015, and settled in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.

Scott was a bright light who brought joy to everyone who knew him. He had a keen intellect and an extensive vocabulary. His friends and family joked that they needed a dictionary on hand just to keep up with him in conversation. That same sharp mind came with an equally sharp sense of humor: he loved to make people laugh and always had a joke ready.

Scott was a musician at heart. He played the trumpet in his high school band, where he served as drum major, and started his own jazz band, "Filthy McNasty." He also shared his love of music through great artist and album recommendations while working at The Musiquarium, an independent music store in Jackson, Mississippi. His love of music extended well beyond high school, as he enjoyed making curated playlists for friends and family and playing guitar and performing around Dallas with his band, The Palominos.

When not immersed in music, Scott loved the outdoors and could be found mountain biking at Cedar Hill State Park, gardening and bird watching in his backyard, and hiking with his beloved dog, Landry, at Oak Cliff Nature Preserve. Later in life, he discovered he had a true gift for cooking and loved making meals for his many friends and family—never needing a recipe, of course!

Scott had a large family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Emily Cole; his parents, Lisa and Jeff Avra of Austin, Texas; his siblings Jordan Avra of Dallas, Texas, and Griffin Avra of Austin, Texas; his maternal grandmother Sally (Mudgie) Hinchman McAnulty of Jonesville, Texas; his maternal aunt, Jana Christine McAnulty Haigood, her husband Guy, and their children, Marin Haigood and Graham Haigood. He is also survived by his step-uncles and aunts, Chris and Donna Avra and Greg and Robin Avra; and his paternal aunt, Gail McWhorter Asbill and by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews in his extended family. And he is survived by Landry.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, Jeffery Wayne McWhorter, of Carlsbad, New Mexico; his maternal grandfather, Jerry D. (Granddaddy) McAnulty, of Tyler, Texas; his step grandparents, Glenn (Granddad) and Florilla (Grandmother) Avra; his paternal uncle, David (Doctor Dave) Asbill, his paternal grandmother, Sharon (Munner) McWhorter; his paternal grandfather, Tony (Papa Tony) McWhorter and his paternal step-grandmother, Marietta McWhorter.

The family hopes that whenever his friends and family listen to live music, hear a great joke, or explore the great outdoors, they remember Scott. If you wish to make a gift in Scott's memory, the family suggests Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (tpwf.org), MUSICARES (musicares.org), or the charity of your choice.