Floy Elizabeth
Mattos
Merritt Island, FL - Floy Elizabeth Mattos, aged 76, passed away Friday December 21st, 2012 at her home in Merritt Island, Florida following a serious illness. She was surrounded by her children holding her hands along with her beloved dog, Jenny on her lap. Floy was born Sept. 14, 1936 in Memphis, TN to Mary Virginia and Oliver Fulton Liming. She grew up in Jonesboro and Marked Tree, Arkansas. For a period of time she lived with her dear Grandma, Floy Knight Carpenter, and Papa, Cornelius Tyrene (C. T.) Carpenter, who was killed in a car accident on her 8th birthday. She and her brother Fulton spent summers with their cousins Edward Carpenter and Knight Carpenter.
She attended Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, TN from 1954 - 1957. She then served as a Nurse in the US Air Force from 1959 - 1960 at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, where she met her husband, Francis Lloyd Mattos. They married in 1960 and were wed until his death in 1998. They moved a number of times during his careers in the Air Force and with Bendix (Allied-Signal) Corp. She especially enjoyed her years living in Bad Aibling, Germany, where she had some dear German friends who later visited her in the US. From 1985 - 2003 she lived in beautiful Asheville, NC. While in Asheville she owned and operated an antique limousine service, Vintage Coach, with a 1932 Chevrolet. It was used in many elegant events and was hired by a national bridal magazine for a photo shoot at the Biltmore House. Clients were always thrilled. She also enjoyed success with rental houses before leaving in 2003 to be near her daughters.
She leaves behind six children: Patrick Mattos (Cynthia) of Pasadena, TX; Scott Mattos of San Leon, TX; Virginia Arnold of Roswell, GA; Jonathan Mattos (Robin) of Maitland, FL; Elizabeth Field (Les) of Boiling Springs, SC; and Sandra Mattos of Merritt Island, FL. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, her half-sister, Christine Kinzer (Jim) of LaMarque, TX, and cousin Edward Carpenter (Dottie) of Vestavia, AL. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Major Francis L. Mattos, USAF and her brother Fulton Lee Liming.
Floy was often noted for her strong convictions, loyalty, and sincere desire to help those less fortunate. While working as an RN in a nursing home, she invited residents with no family to share Thanksgiving in her home. She never turned away a stray animal and always had a dog and several cats. She had a fun-loving spirit and liked to try new things. She was a warm, giving person and maintained close relationships with her brother and children, helping them whenever she could. She loved her grandchildren and was greatly relied upon for her no-nonsense advice.
She will be sadly missed. Services will be held at 2:00 pm January 18th, 2013 at the State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
What beautiful words you all have written about your mother's life.... She is truly honored by them.
Jeana Walker
January 17, 2013
Hi Sandy... sorry to hear about your mama!
All your Asheville buddies will be thinking of you and sending love and condolences!
~mike miller
January 2, 2013
Floy found me in her driveway, petting her cats and from that day on she made me a part of her family.
She shared her home, her sense of right and wrong, her laughter and humor, many road trips, lunches and dinners and most of all she reminded me to show compassion to all living things.
I love you Floy with all my heart and soul.
Paula Mathews
December 30, 2012
My prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie Pirson
December 30, 2012
Love you, Mother.
Virginia Arnold
December 30, 2012
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more