Mary Lee Matthews, affectionately known as “Miss Mary” to her friends, moved to Heaven peacefully on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2024 at the age of 88. Born on the idyllic fall day of October 3rd, 1935 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, she was the cherished daughter of Clarence and Thelma Matthews. Shawnee, with its historic charm and warm southern hospitality, was not only Mary Lee’s birthplace, but the beginning of a life long adventure throughout California, Oregon, Washington State, Oklahoma, and Texas, culminating with her lifelong residence in her maternal grandparent’s home of Longview, Texas.
Mary Lee’s journey through life was marked by her devotion to her family, her passion for caregiving, and her kindness. Her career of caregiving spanned over seven decades of love. Her dancing abilities, at the age of three, blossomed in her one year of work with MGM Studios in Hollywood, California. Her love for the piano began with her childhood piano lessons.
Mary Lee’s love for life extended beyond her family. Her magnificent talent for artful painting was recognized by the Shreveport Museum of Art in Louisiana for six months as she painted her Daddy’s oil well at the age of fifteen while observing him work.
She graduated from Pine Tree High School in Longview, Texas in 1952 and attended Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. She served as personal secretary to the Baptists Student Union Director for two years. She also continued her study of Art at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas for one year. Her love for God and His plans for her life was foremost in her mind.
She is survived by her beloved brother Mike Matthews, sister-in-law Barbara Matthews, sister Beverly Matthews Bernson, brother-in-law Craig Bernson, nephew Jacob Austin Dukes, nephew Jeffrey Matthews and wife Lauren Matthews, loving niece Haley Matthews Kormos and husband Shae Kormos, great nephew Seth Michael Matthews, and a great niece Halle Grace Matthews, all of whom will miss her smile, gentle spirit, and generous heart.
Mary Lee’s love for cooking began at the age of five while working at her maternal grandparent’s grocery store for frequent customers in Longview, Texas.
A home going service to celebrate Mary Lee’s life, will be held February 24th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. for visitation and 11:00 a.m. for the service. She will be remembered at Lakeview Funeral Home on 5000 W. Harrison Road in Longview, Texas. Following the service she will be laid to rest at the adjoining Garden of Good Shepherd.
Mary Lee Matthews’ life was a tapestry of nurturing love, selfless service and the joy of simple pleasures. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories passed down through generations and in the blooming roses of Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18