Mary Jo Matthews

Mary Jo Matthews

Danielsville, GA

Mary Jo Matthews, 87, wife of the late Henry Stoddert Matthews, III, died Thursday, December 18, 2014.

Born in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Yancey Milburn and Mary O' Brien Milburn and mother of the late, Henry S. "Skip" Matthews, IV. Mrs. Matthews was a true philanthropist of her time throughout her life. Before moving to Danielsville, she worked as administrative secretary at Lynndale Training Center (Augusta, Ga) for 14 years in addition to volunteering with the Augusta Association of Retarded Citizens, where she was recognized for outstanding service in 1982 and served as president from 1983-1984. She was also the leader for her children's various Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, an active member of St Mary's on the Hill Catholic Church, and performed in various productions with the Augusta Players. She moved to Danielsville in 1986 where she worked at the Athens Banner Herald for 14 years and spent countless hours volunteering in the community. She volunteered with Advantage Behavioral Health Systems Community Service Board, St. Joseph's Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister and worked with its local service ministries. She also worked with the St. Mary's Auxiliary and the St. Mary's Hospice House. She was an active member of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, was voted as Madison County Volunteer of the year in 1995 as well as Woman of the Year for Madison County in late 1990s. She was always doing for others, and rarely, if ever, asked for anything for herself.

Survivors include her children: Mary Imogene Matthews, Thomas (Mary) Matthews, Mary Jo (Shawn) Hammond, Becky (John) Rice, Cathy (Jeff) Goldshot, Joey (Amy) Matthews; eleven grandchildren, Chris Pittman, Shawn Pittman, Matt Matthews, Robby Matthews, Danny Watson, Katie Rice (Jeff) Williams, John Rice, Matt Goldshot, Tyler Matthews, and Hailee Matthews and one great grandchild, Aubree Williams. In addition to these children, she was Mom and Nana to so many others. She raised ALL her children in love and faith and never turned any one away. Her home and heart was always full of love for others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Monday, December 22, 2014 at 11AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Prince Avenue with Father David McGuinness Celebrant. The family will receive friend from 3 to 5 Sunday, December 21, 2014 at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Danielsville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospice House.

Lord & Stephens Danielsville is in charge of arrangements.