Kathy Scarborough Halat

Kathy Scarborough Halat, 68, slipped away to a place of peace without pain on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025. As she held onto her faith in Jesus Christ, she endured until the end with the love and unwavering support of Matthew, her loving husband of 33 years, who remained at her side over these past months of uncertainty.

Kathy was born in Macon, Georgia on May 16, 1956, to the late Lester E. Scarborough and the late Margaret J. Scarborough whom Kathy tirelessly and lovingly cared for in the latter years of their lives. Kathy never faltered in her commitment to care for her aging parents as well as her siblings with her support in matters of necessity. This unselfish outpouring of love was characteristic of her no-nonsense approach for getting done the matters of her family.

Among her brothers and sisters, Kathy was the only left-handed child in the family which later became quite a novelty to all who would watch her play sports whereby she became quite talented with throwing both baseballs and footballs. Kathy had a tireless enthusiasm for these neighborhood romps. She took great pride in friendly competition with anyone or any challenge.

Kathy’s outspokenness and her determined self-confidence as a young girl gave her a certain “swagger” when involved in neighborhood gatherings and ballgames so much so that her father gave her the nickname “Scout” based upon a child character in the story “To Kill a Mockingbird” popular at the time.

After high school, Kathy chose a career with the US Department of Agriculture Fruit and Tree Nut Research Station in Byron, Georgia where she served with award for over 35 years in areas of entomology involving studies of insect management, as well as, her very devoted work with the study of fruit and pecan trees. Peach trees were a specialty of Kathy’s interests and her family and friends many times found the reward of learning the many varieties of peaches, with opportunities to taste.

It was during her early career with the USDA Research Station that Kathy’s thirst for knowledge and her willingness to face any worthwhile challenge led her to acquire her college degree and her impressive certification as a Registered Nurse, for which she was understandably very proud. In balancing her career goals, she enjoyed working part-time as a duty nurse at the Houston Medical Center with her main focus being her love for her fine work with the USDA.

Initially Kathy chose to live in the city limits of Byron, GA, however, to the amazement of her parents and siblings, preferring to have a bit more room, Kathy bought an older home inside the city limits and had it moved outside Byron to an acre lot that she had bought. It was there that Kathy’s idea to remodel the home with her own unique taste was put into motion. Kathy and Matt made the dream of a country home come true with the wonderful results of their efforts. From there they purchased additional acres of land across the road from their home and set their plans and dreams in motion.

Together with Matt, Kathy’s world revolved around their mutual interests including fishing, music, gardening and especially their most beloved horses, donkeys, dog (Sadie) and cats, all of which she referred to as her “critters.” With love and care, Kathy and Matt built their “Dream” on their property and enjoyed many evenings together around a fire, often including family and friends. She and Matt often awoke on mornings at the barn with one or both horses looking through the window patiently waiting for Kathy to shower them love and attention.

In addition to her husband, Matt, Kathy will remain in the memories and heartbeats of siblings, Gary Scarborough (Jane), Mary Yawn, Terry Scarborough (Sherry), and Margery Rogers; nieces and nephews, Luke and Sarah Scarborough, Billy and Kristen Miles, Mark Scarborough (Adrienne), Kevin (Audrey), Elizabeth and Andrew Scarborough and Autumn Edwards.

Kathy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love for all those fortunate enough to have known her. In honoring Kathy’s memory, her family wishes to express their gratitude for the care and support they have received especially Navicent Pine Pointe Hospice

A special blessing for the family was bestowed with the care given by Mrs. Rowena Hart Howell, whose tender sweetness shall never be forgotten.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Kathy Halat to United in Pink by visiting https://unitedinpink.org/ or American Cancer Society for Gallbladder Cancer Research by visiting https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.