Raymel Mathews Harley

Mattie Raymel Mathews Harley of Orangeburg, SC died Thursday, October 27, 2011 in Athens, GA. She was born October 8, 1907 in Saluda, SC to the late Dr. Tyre Benjamin and Jeanette Caroline (Sudie) Grigsby Mathews. She graduated from Winthrop College in 1929 and taught school in Orangeburg, SC prior to her marriage. Mrs. Harley was the widow of Irvin Sylvanus (I.S.) Harley, Jr.
She is survived by their children, Sylvia Harley Arant - widow of the late Dr. E. Pierce Arant - of Athens, GA and Caroline Harley DuBose and husband Phil of Cary, NC, three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They are: Dr. Philip (Jay) J. DuBose, Jr. and wife Carla, daughters Jessica Kate and Amelia Caroline of Thomasville, GA; Sylvia Arant Hotard and husband Gabe, Esq, sons Hampton Pierce and Thomas Gabriel III, daughters Abigail Sylvana and Audrey Marie of Cornelia, GA; Irvin Harley DuBose and wife Kimberly, sons Daniel James and Noah Harley and daughter Katelyn Hope of Pinehurst, NC. Family appreciation is extended to Mrs. Harley's special friend and longtime caregiver, Mrs. Mildred Daniel of Athens.
Mrs. Harley was predeceased by her eldest granddaughter, Raymel (Meli) Eugenia Arant of Athens, GA, two brothers - Candler Grady Mathews of Saluda, SC and Tyre Grigsby Mathews of Rockmart, GA and one sister, Ruth Amelia Mathews Black of Elloree, SC.
Mrs. Harley was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A gracious, genteel lady, her infectious smile and positive demeanor influenced all who knew her.
Raymel was very active in her church - St Paul's United Methodist, Orangeburg, SC - teaching Sunday School, playing handbells, and accompanying the Willing Workers Sunday School Class. She was involved in every aspect of United Methodist Women including being its president for ten years during her eighties. She was honored as "Woman of The Year" in 1994 by St. Paul's United Methodist Women.
Mrs. Harley will also be remembered for her love of music, gardening and her ability to create beautiful flower arrangements. She was active in Orangeburg Garden Club, King's Daughters, and Winthrop Daughters. She and her husband enjoyed fishing, attending athletic events, and traveling together. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends. Raymel spent the last years of her life in Athens, GA where she was loved and admired by many who knew her. On October 8, 2007, her One Hundredth Birthday was celebrated by many friends and family members. A special message of appreciation is extended to the caretakers of Arbor Terrace of Athens, GA where she recently celebrated her One Hundred Fourth Birthday on October 8, 2011. The family would also like to thank Odyssey Hospice for their special and most kind care.
During the past century, Raymel Harley exemplified loving service to five generations of family - as devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Orangeburg, SC on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 2:00pm. Entombment in The Good Shepherd Mausoleum at Memorial Park Cemetery will follow. Visitation will be at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.
Memorials may be made to the I.S. and Raymel Harley Endowment Fund at St.Paul's United Methodist Church, 1356 Amelia Street, NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115. This fund benefits Children and Youth, United Methodist Women, and Music Ministries.
Orangeburg, SC arrangements by Dukes - Harley Funeral Home
Athens, GA arrangements by Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST