Phyllis Strobel Hagar was born on December 10, 1924 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and died on October 2, 2014 in Gainesville, Georgia, just short of her ninetieth birthday.
Phyllis grew up in Collingswood, New Jersey and Chattanooga, Tennessee. She studied music and chemistry in college and enjoyed a long career as a biochemist at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta.
An accomplished singer and musician, Phyllis was a member of the Robert Shaw Singers, who record and perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Phyllis lived for many years with her beloved cats and dogs in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on the shores of Lake Lanier, where she pursued her passion for sailing. It was not until after retirement that Phyllis met the love of her life, Nelson Hagar. She became a bride for the first and only time at the age of seventy-five. Phyllis and Nelson enjoyed seven wonderful years together before his death in 2008. Phyllis and Nelson attended the First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville. In her last years, Phyllis received excellent and compassionate care from the staff at Lanier Village Estates, and was often visited by her late husband's daughter and husband, Patti and Stewart. During visits, Phyllis affectionately referred to Stewart as "my boyfriend". Phyllis also received frequent visits from members of her church. She loved to play the piano for other residents, staff members, and visitors. Phyllis' finances were kindly and expertly managed by Chuck Carter and Lorraine Zimmerman at Regions Bank in Gainesville. Phyllis also greatly benefitted from the friendship of her private caregiver Vicky.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Nelson and her sister Shirley, and is survived by her two nephews, Craig and Chris Nelson, as well as Patti, Stewart, and the many members of the Hagar family.
Phyllis was an intelligent, kind, and musical soul who will always be fondly remembered and missed by those who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Phyllis Hagar's life will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel at Lanier Village Estates, 4000 Village Drive, in Gainesville.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, 845 West Ridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501, is appreciated.
Those wishing to send on-line condolences may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home 355 Dawsonville Hwy., Gainesville, GA 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
