Brevard County crossing guard relearns to walk, talk after being hit by SUV

ROCKLEDGE, Fla. - A longtime Brevard County crossing guard is walking and talking again more than six months after she was hit by an SUV.

 Joyce Scarborough, 75, was struck while directing traffic outside an elementary school, an injury that left her facing weeks of intensive rehabilitation.

What they're saying:

Scarborough has worked as a crossing guard for the city of Rockledge for more than a decade. She was directing traffic outside Golfview Elementary Magnet School in February when she was struck.

"I would step out and stop the cars," Scarborough recalled.

Scarborough said the SUV slowed as it approached but did not stop before hitting her.

"This particular vehicle slowed down but did not stop," Scarborough said. "They said he stopped after he hit me. He got out, was very emotional. But I don’t remember being hit, so everyone says I’m blessed."

Scarborough suffered a broken collarbone, facial fractures and two brain bleeds. Her injuries were so severe that she had to relearn how to walk and speak.

Her daughter, Melissa Wood, said the family initially feared Scarborough might not recover.

"She wasn’t speaking to us, she wasn’t standing on her own feet, she wasn’t even eating," Wood said. "It was pretty bleak for a while."

Scarborough spent 11 weeks undergoing intensive rehabilitation at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville, with her family supporting her throughout her recovery.

"It was a lot," Wood said. "There was a definite fear that we’d never get her back. But she’s here and that’s what counts."

Scarborough's husband said the ordeal was frightening for the family, which has spent decades together.

"I’m glad she’s still with me," he said. "We’ve been married 55 years and I have no intention of trading her in."

Scarborough's absence was also felt at Golfview Elementary. After the crash, parents, students and other community members gathered outside the school carrying signs showing support for the crossing guard they affectionately call the "Crazy Sock Lady."

Scarborough kept the tradition alive during her recovery, wearing colorful socks in the hospital and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and her birthday while undergoing rehabilitation.

"Imagine being there for 11 weeks. That’s a long time, but I never got upset," Scarborough said. "I just said a lot of people are praying for me. And I told the CEO that’s what making me better and bringing me home."

Her family now hopes Scarborough's experience serves as a reminder for drivers to pay attention around crossing guards and schools.

"I hate so much what she went through, but she’s so strong to have fought back through it," Wood said. "And I think it’s been an eye-opener to be aware of what’s around you. These are real people out here who are protecting our kids every day."

What's next:

Scarborough remains in speech and physical therapy as her recovery continues.

"I appreciate the fact that I’m still here," she said.

Scarborough has turned in her crossing guard uniform but has not officially left her post.