Patricia (Patty) Brazil Segrest passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024, at Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley, Florida.
Patty was born on June 26, 1937, in Troy, Alabama, to Bernice Elberta and Willis Langley Brazil. She lived in Mobile until seventh grade when the family moved to Bonifay. She graduated from Holmes County High School.
Patty graduated with a B.S. degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree from Troy University. She worked at the Florida Welfare Department followed by many years in education. Her years of teaching were at Graceville High School, Cottondale High School, and Houston Academy. She was an administrator at Graceville High School, Graceville Elementary School, Cottondale High School, and Poplar Springs High School. Patty was the first female secondary administrator in Jackson County.
Patty was married to Hugh B. Segrest for 51 years. Born to them were two daughters, Julie and Nancianne. Patty and Hugh lived in Graceville all their married life.
Patty was very active in the city of Graceville where she served as a city commissioner for 12 years. She was the first elected woman mayor of Graceville. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Graceville Garden Club, Graceville Woman’s Club, Jackson Co. Retired Teacher’s Association, and Delta Kappa Gamma.
Honors that she received through her life included Graceville High School Teacher of the Year, Cottondale Teacher of the Year, Jackson County Teacher of the Year, and Graceville Woman of the Year.
Throughout Patty’s life she enjoyed her students, friends, and family. She is remembered fondly by her students as a caring and invested educator. She had many friends and loved spending time with them at the beach and at the bridge table. As the proud matriarch of her family, she treasured being “Mawmaw” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Patty will be remembered by her loving family. She is survived by her daughters Julie (Lyle) Young and Nancianne (Timmy) Watson; grandchildren Allen (Mallory) Corbin, Julianne (Todd) Beasley, Alianne (Duffer) Harrison, Hannah (Jess) Herrell, Annalaura (Cody) Collins; and great grandchildren Bo Corbin, Laurabeth Corbin, Lily Harrison, Tate Beasley, Lucas Corbin, Abigail Beasley, Duff Harrison, Madeline Beasley, Annamarie Corbin, Asher Collins, and Banks Collins; and many dear nephews, nieces, and friends.
She is proceeded in death by Hugh B. Segrest, Jr., parents Willis Langley and Bernice Elberta Brazil, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 2:30 – 4:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, Graceville, Florida.
A Celebration of Life will follow at 4:00 PM.
