Mary Lou Mathis, of Matthews, left her earthly home Monday, March 19, 2012, to be with her heavenly father.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, at Siler Presbyterian Church, Wesley Chapel.
She was born July 15, 1923, in Boone, to William Austin and Pansy Brown Austin. Mary Lou spent her childhood years in Goldsboro and graduated in 1942 from Goldsboro High School. She was historian of her class for three years and treasurer of her freshman class. After taking classes in business she took the civil service exam and went to work in Washington, D.C., first for a patriotic organization, Military Order of World Wars, and finished her career at U.S. Steel Export.
While working in Washington she met the love of her life, Lt. Warren B. Mathis. They were married for 65 years. She enjoyed being married to a sales engineer and general manager as they moved several times during his career. He was employed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation for 37 years. They lived in Lima, Ohio, Dayton, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Albuquerque and Singapore, where Warren was a managing director assigned to organizing and staffing several factories.
The Mathises were proud parents of four children, Scott, Michael, Susan Wherry and Marianne Joines; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
The Mathises retired to Boone in 1982, where they were active in Boone United Methodist Church. Mary Lou enjoyed playing bridge, cooking and the Blue Ridge Garden Club. Looking for a warmer climate they decided to move to Pinehurst. They enjoyed many friends and activities in this small village.
Mary Lou was an active and proud member of the Alfred Moore Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Wanting to be closer to one of their children, they moved to Charlotte, where Mary Lou spent her remaining years. She was a member of Siler Presbyterian Church.
The family wishes to express very sincere thanks and appreciation for the extraordinary services provided by the medical and nursing staff at the Carolinas Medical Center–Pineville during Mary Lou’s final days. She commented daily on the courtesy, service and comfort provided by the entire staff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one’s Salvation Army Post.
Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington Chapel.