Patricia Scarborough Hagewood lost a heroic battle with Alzheimer’s disease and its complications on December 1, 2022. She was 77 years old. Pat was born on November 11, 1945, at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia. Her father, Mitchell (Mike) Scarborough, was a career Army noncommissioned officer while her mother, Martha Everett Scarborough, focused on raising the family, was active in military wives’ club activities, and was a skilled flower arranger. As a soldier’s child, Pat grew up in a variety of places including Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, North Carolina and two tours in Japan. She attended Fayetteville, North Carolina, High School and, following graduation, enrolled at Valdosta State College in Georgia, majoring in elementary education. She met her husband-to-be, Gordon Hagewood, in Columbus, Georgia, during the December 1968 Christmas break from teaching in the Atlanta area. Pat and Gordon were married in June 1970 in Columbus, Georgia, and were blessed with a loving relationship that spanned over 52 years. Pat became involved with wives’ club activities and leadership roles that lasted until Gordon’s retirement from the Army after 29 years. She welcomed and mentored junior officers’ wives and ensured that they had the support they needed in all situations. Following Gordon’s military retirement, Pat was employed by the Fairfax County Virginia public school system for almost twenty years, virtually all her time spent in elementary education. She also volunteered her time to Burke United Methodist Church in Burke, Virginia, and participated in the seniors’ social group (Prime Timers) at Asbury Church in Madison, Alabama. Pat is survived by her husband, Colonel Gordon Hagewood, USA, Retired, of Madison, Alabama; her brother, William (Mike) Scarborough and sister-in-law, Lynne Scarborough, of Sarasota, Florida; her sister, Laura Scarborough Harding and brother-in-law, Steve Harding of Daytona Beach, Florida; her son, Douglas Hagewood of Nashville, Tennessee; her daughter, Lynn Hagewood of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter Ella Hagewood, of Nashville, Tennessee; and grandson Everett Hagewood, of Nashville, Tennessee. Pat was blessed with loving friends throughout her life, and dedicated caregivers during her long battle. The family is grateful for their devoted caring and service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Washington St., Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02481, or at curealz.org through the link below. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, December 10 at Asbury Church, 980 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35756. Pat’s cremated remains will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.