Mary (Simmons) Matthews

With great sadness we stand on the shore to say goodbye to our mother, grandmother and friend, Mary Simmons Matthews, as she leaves this life but there is great rejoicing on the opposite shore as she is greeted with celebration by her husband of 72 years, John T. Matthews, her daughter Robin Alisa Matthews, her parents James John Simmons and Lula Terrell Simmons and her sister Irene Simmons Mitchell.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory a son, Thomas Stuart Matthews of Ararat, NC a daughter, Susan M. Matthews and husband Allen Lee of Raleigh, NC : three grandchildren, Nathaniel Plant of Chapel Hill NC, Ocean Matthews of Raleigh, NC, and Summer Matthews of Mount Airy, NC and four great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Matthews grew up on a farm in Ararat and learned the value of a strong work ethic and helping others.  She learned to sew and cook.  She married John T. Matthews and together they had a farm and raised three children.  Mrs. Matthews used her incredible sewing skills to make beautiful clothes for her family.  Many friends and family enjoyed wonderful meals, especially the biscuits from her kitchen.  She was always doing for others, clothes for her family, sharing food from the farm with others, making a quilt for a charity auction or planting a flower garden for a friend.  Visitors to the NC Welcome Center were delighted by her special Christmas Quilt on display.  Even in death she continued to provide for others by donating her body to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for research. 

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Surry Community HR and the compassionate staff of Mountain Valley Hospice for the care they provided to Mrs. Matthews.  Their professional care was only surpassed by their kindness, and understanding.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mountain Valley Hospice, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary (Simmons) Matthews, please visit our floral store.