February 6, 1950 – June 16, 2018
“Start every day with a laugh” was Paula’s favorite quote and she did her best to live by it. No matter the obstacles she had to face each day, she found something to smile about, even in her final days.
Paula was born in Newport, RI to Georgiana Cordeiro and Hillman Morris Scogin. She was orphaned by her early twenties so, in an attempt to make the best of life and being the free spirit that she was, she began creating families of friends everywhere she landed. She came to Austin in the mid 70’s to visit a friend, and decided this was the place to stay.
Although she had various occupations, the one for which she is most remembered is bartender. She was a favorite of the gay community and had quite a following. She not only ensured that each customer felt welcomed, most clients quickly became good friends. People knew she would offer a listening ear, a generous heart, and honesty. Her extended family members eventually grew into the hundreds and each person would swear that Paula was one of his or her best friends.
Although she was very charitable with her friendship, Paula would not suffer fools. She was completely honest when the occasion required it and her opinions were offered freely. However, if she felt someone had made an excellent point or retort, she would love to bang the gong sitting on the bar and laugh uproariously. Paula’s wonderful, raucous laugh: it was immediately recognizable, contagious and legendary.
People loved having serious discussions with her - she was brilliant. Paula had a mind like a steel trap and was a voracious reader. She knew a little bit about everything and could debate with the best of them – and usually win.
One of her favorite hobbies was thrift store shopping. She was one of the few that could walk into a thrift shop and find a $5 scarf that was worth $300. Or she would find that perfect gift and offer it to a friend just because, “This reminded me of you”. The gift would then become a valued treasure.
She had a natural gift for attracting furry strays. Both Paula and Mercy had the gift in that furry (and feathered) babies would automatically know they were safe with them. In fact, one abandoned pup jumped into Paula’s van one day and looked at her as if to say, “Let’s go home”. And Paula responded, “Okay, let’s go home.” Mercy and Paula’s house was always filled with the wonderful pitter patter of dog, cats, and birds. They knew they had found a home where they would be loved and protected.
Her greatest love was her wife, Mercy. Nineteen years ago, they began their journey together and it was the greatest period of Paula’s life. She had found the love of her life and was delighted when they decided to officially marry. Mercy’s family quickly became Paula’s family. One of the greatest reasons for Paula and Mercy’s happy and long relationship was that they always laughed at every opportunity. The stories of the “Adventures of the Old Broads” entertained friends for years.
She is survived by her spouse, Mercy Lawler, of Austin TX, seven cousins-in-laws, and friends too numerous to mention. Donations may be made to Christopher House or your local animal shelter. She did not want a memorial service of any kind and instead requested a big celebration at a later date.
There will always be only one Paula Scogin….
“The first time her laughter unfurled its wings in the wind, we knew that the world would never be the same”-” ― Brian Andreas
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