Cierra Nicole Scott, 25, passed away Saturday, January 3, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse where she had been a patient for a short time.
She was born February 8, 2000, in Watertown, the daughter of Steven and Nena Whitney Scott. She graduated from Thousand Islands Central School in 2018. She received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education in 2021 and then received her Master’s of Science and Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2023 from SUNY Potsdam.
Cierra was an Elementary School Teacher in the Indian River School District at Antwerp Primary School. She was also a dance instructor with Trisha Clement Dance, and worked at Happy Little Kids Co. Daycare in Clayton during the summer.
Cierra loved her family, friends, students, pets and everyone in between. She had the biggest heart and was always willing to help those in need. Her passion for teaching showed each day as she showed up for her students. She would do anything for each and every one of them. She was always down for a late night drive, Sunday brunch, or movie night with friends. Spending time with loved ones was one of her favorite hobbies.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday January 10, 2026 from 12 – 4pm at Cape Vincent Recreation Park, 602 S. James Street, Cape Vincent, NY 13618
Surviving besides her parents is one brother Jeron (Skyler); 2 nieces, Aurora and Lovelynn and a nephew due in February; maternal grandparents, Marthe and Jerry Whitney of Henderson; paternal grandparents, Trudy and Morris Felt of Clayton, George and Claudia Scott of Michigan; her cats, Meatball and Tommy; aunts; uncles; cousins; her best friends Bethany Cratsenberg, Sarah Lockwood and Grace VanTassel; her “dance family” as well as many many many more friends
She is predeceased by her brother Steven Scott II in March of 2019 at age 21 of a Tractor Accident.
Rose Reff
I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace.
Denise Sawyer
I am so sorry for your loss . What a wonderful young lady she was .
Rebecca Young
I am so sorry for your loss. Love you guys. Prayers & Hugs.
Jennifer Durr
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. She was taken far too soon, and my heart goes out to everyone who loved her. May you find comfort in the memories you shared and in knowing how deeply she was cared for and respected as a student, teacher, and friend. Thinking of you all.
Ellis Family
She will be missed dearly!
David and SallyAnn Jackson
Dave and I are so sorry for your loss. There are no words we could offer you other then we pray God helps you through this, and we are here for you if you need anything ❤️
Tina (Cratsenberg) Timmerman
Although I didnt know her all that well, except to see her at all the Cratsenberg/Joles’ functions, she was the best friend to my two nieces (Bethany & Grace) and they absolutely LOVED her as if she were their sister by DNA. For being so young, she has left quite the impression on everyone who met her. What a great person & she will be deeply missed by all. Praying for her families & friends that her smile helps you through each day without her here.
Bethany Cratsenberg
CC, my girl— I just want you back. We had our whole lives ahead of us. You were my best friend, my 3rd sister. I love you, CC. Always and forever.
Richard J. Scott
Cierra’s family and friends, have my condolences. Take care.
Shawn and Lisa LaClair
We are so very sorry for your families loss. May she rest in peace. Sending prayers for your family.
Kelly Winters
Nena, Steve, Jeron and family, I am so sorry to hear about Cierra and for what you’re all going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie Mynch
Nena, Steve, Jeron, My heart is broken knowing that you have to go through losing Cierra. I remember her a little girl at T.I. she was so sweet. I’m really glad I got to talk with her a couple of times during the summer. Just remember the memories will help you get through this hard time.
Joan Dowker
To the Scott-WhitneyFamily and Friends, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts, Prayers. Blessings to all. Joan Dowket
Henry LaClair III
My deepest heartfelt condolences. Many thoughts and prayers to bring you peace. May Jesus bring you comfort.
Beth Locke
Cierra, my heart aches for you, your family, friends, and students.
I remember taking ballet classes at Trisha’s when we were little girls and how naturally the moves seemed to come to you.
I also remember when we were in high school and went to Costa Rica. You were so brave on that trip, one of the first people to step up and try something new— including leading our raft through white water rapids.
I didn’t know you after high school, but I saw you in passing here and there and was so happy for you when I found out you got hired at Indian River. I know as a fellow educator what a big deal finally getting your own classroom and students. I cheered you on from afar.
The last time I saw you I believe was at the TI Bridge a few years ago. You and Grace were heading down the walkway and you seemed so happy to be out enjoying the River view and fresh summer air. You smiled when we exchanged “hellos” and that was it.
I saw your adventures with Bethany here and there on social media and it seemed like you were living your best life. It’s not fair that it was taken from you when you were just starting to really live and not be a college student anymore.
I hope that you are at peace, because you deserve it. As long as I knew you I never knew you to have a mean bone in your body.
I’ll be thinking of you and praying for your loved ones.
Meghan Laemmermann
Ms Cierra was my son’s teacher in the toddy room at Happy Little Kids. She always gave the best handoffs with the small, but important details that made me feel like she really knew how he was doing, what he needed, and most of all that he was truly known, loved, and cared for. She was warm, approachable, smart, conscientious, and kind. I knew she would be successful wherever she ended up. We were so crushed to hear of her unexpected passing and send our deepest condolences to family and friends.
We will miss you, Ms Cierra!
May her memory be eternal.
Meg, Drew, and Declan Laemmermann
Andy Tran
She was a kind and friendly i ever met in my life. I never saw her be unkind to anyone. It is so sad to see that she passed away. I praying she is now happy pieceful with Jesus. Sorry your lost.
Matthew Scales
I’m so sorry to everyone in the family. Cierra was such a kind and thoughtful person and a wonderful friend. I wish I could have spoken to her more before she passed. She will be dearly missed.