Ellen Yvonne Mathews

Ellen Yvonne Weidman Mathews died on May 25, 2024, peacefully at her home with her family at her side.

She was born in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1934, the daughter of the late Floyd Edward and Florida Meares Weidman. She graduated from St. Petersburg High School, St. Petersburg Junior College, and Florida State University with a BS degree in Business Education. While at FSU she met Hurschell F. Mathews, and they were married in 1956 after graduation. While he attended and graduated from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem N.C., she taught first 8th grade English and then three years at Draughon Business College. In 1960 they moved to Tampa, FL where he practiced Family Medicine, and she raised their two children. She was very active in volunteer work in schools, church, and Medical Auxiliary. Her church, family, and friends were of main importance to her.

She was first a member of the First Congregational Church of St. Petersburg which her pioneer grandfather helped organize. After marriage and moving back to Tampa, FL, they joined the Methodist Church. She was very active in the churches where they lived - Hyde Park UMC in Tampa, Sylva UMC in NC, and Mauldin UMC in SC. She was very active in United Methodist Women in all the churches. She held offices in the Sylva Methodist church, UMW, and received a Methodist Laity award.

Music was a big part of her life. She sang in the choirs in all the churches. Also, in her Freshmen and Sophomore years at Jr. College she sang in the special Ladies Quartets and in the University Singers at FSU. She played piano most of her life in church and Rainbow Girls. She played alto saxophone in Jr. and Senior High School bands. She was an excellent seamstress and made clothes for her daughter, grandchildren, and herself for many years.

While living in Sylva, NC, she was very active in the NC Extension Homemakers. She held many local and county offices and taught crafts.

They moved to Greenville, SC in 2010. Her husband died in 2011 after their 54 years of marriage. She joined the Mauldin UMC, sang in their choir, was a member of the Trinity SS class, and Wren Circle. She lived at Rolling Green Retirement Village and while in a patio home was on the Summerside HOA Board for three years. She continued singing in their Chorale and enjoyed many of the activities there. She was a dependable member of any group in which she was involved and a loyal friend that kept in touch with many over her lifetime.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda M. Chambers (Ed), her son Hurschell F. Mathews, Jr. (Angela), 3 grandchildren Yvonne Steenblik (Garrett), Deborah Michelle Mathews, and Brandon Fredrick Mathews (Jennifer). Also, 3 step grandchildren, 1 great grandson, 5 step great grandchildren, and 1 step great-great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mauldin UMC, Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Mathews family.