Elaine Bartholomew Scarborough

Elaine Bartholomew Scarborough, 73, of Polkton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 11, 2025.

Elaine was born on July 16, 1952, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the late Thomas Alfred Bartholomew and Ethel McLawhorn Bartholomew. From an early age, she carried with her a deep sense of purpose, one that would shape her life’s work: devotion to children and the belief that every child deserves the very best start in life.

A proud graduate of Meredith College in 1974, Elaine went on to earn her Master of Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978. She poured her gifts into education for more than 40 years, serving with compassion, vision, and a steady commitment to making Anson County — and every community she touched — a better place to be a child and to raise a child.

Elaine spent eight years in the classroom in Wake, Montgomery, Union and Anson Counties. She served five years as a consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She also spent eight years serving as an elementary school principal in Anson and Orange Counties. Elaine guided students, teachers and families with wisdom and warmth.

In 1998, Elaine embraced what became her greatest professional calling — serving as Executive Director of the Anson County Partnership for Children. For nearly two decades, she worked tirelessly to support families, strengthen early childhood education, and ensure that children had every opportunity to thrive. Elaine launched the Barn Blast annual fundraiser, which became a vital source of funding for the Partnership and continues today as a beloved community tradition that reflects her vision and dedication.

Elaine often said she would retire as soon as she had grandchildren — and she kept her word. When her first grandchild was announced, she announced her retirement; when he was born, she officially stepped away. By a remarkable coincidence — and perhaps a little divine timing — her retirement date fell on the very day her first grandchild, Holden, entered the world.

Family was the heart of Elaine’s life. She is survived by her husband, Donald Pope Scarborough, and their children, Whitney Thomas Scarborough Taylor and husband Jeremy, and Donald Logan Scarborough and wife Ashley. Her greatest joy was being “Grandma” to her beloved grandchildren: Holden Scarborough Taylor (9), Merritt Scarborough Taylor (6), Rivers Madalynn Scarborough (8), and Logan Craven Scarborough (3).

Elaine was happiest when spending time with her children and grandchildren. Elaine was so proud to have her children, and their spouses choose to raise their children in Anson County – all living close to Elaine. Elaine’s holiday celebrations were particularly special for Elaine and her grandchildren. Her grandchildren particularly look forward to her Halloween party each year.

Elaine was blessed with a green thumb and found great joy in gardening. Her family and friends will forever cherish the late-night calls to come sit and admire her night-blooming cactus. A woman of selfless love, Elaine touched many lives with her kindness and generosity. She will be lovingly remembered by both family and strangers for the vibrant zinnias she shared. Even in her final days, Elaine continued to brighten the world around her, with zinnias delivered to nursing homes to lift the spirits of others.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Alfred Bartholomew and Ethel McLawhorn Bartholomew. Elaine is also survived by her sister, Gail Bartholomew Kiker of Pinehurst, North Carolina; her brother, Thomas Alfred Bartholomew, Jr. and wife Ruth of Raleigh, North Carolina; and her brother-in-law, Landon Alfred Scarborough, Jr. and wife Mickey; and nieces and nephews.

Elaine was also deeply committed to her church, First Baptist Church of Wadesboro, where she served faithfully in many capacities, but most importantly in the children’s ministry. Her faith guided her work and her life. Elaine loyally served as a Trustee for the Baptist Children’s Homes for many years and enjoyed her time serving in that capacity.

In keeping with Elaine’s love of her church, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 423, Wadesboro, NC 28170 or Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361.

Elaine’s legacy is one of love — for children, for education, for her church, for her community, and most of all, for her family. She will be remembered for her tireless service, her unwavering devotion, and the joy and encouragement she brought into the lives of others.

There will be a service to celebrate Elaine's life at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Lee Avenue, Wadesboro.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, September 15, 2025 at Leavitt Funeral Home and other times at the home.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com