Virginia Mathis

1937 - 2022

Virginia Mathis

June 14,1937 - May 11, 2022

On Wednesday, May 11th, 2022, Virginia Kathryn Phillips Mathis, wife, mother, grandmother and cherished family member passed from this life at the age of 84.

Virginia was born on June 14th, 1937 to Walter Harold and Lela Mae (Shropshire) Phillips in Hanna, Oklahoma. She attended primary school in Bugtussle, Oklahoma, a small community on the south shores of Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma. Her family were sharecroppers who traveled often between Oklahoma and California. Our family grew up hearing stories of Virginia picking cotton with her brothers and sisters. Virginia later moved to Houston, Texas to live with her father. She graduated from Ellen McCarter Stewart High School, an all-girls high school, in 1957. After high school, Virginia attended the University of Houston and was studying to become an administrative assistant. However, her college career was cut short when she met the love of her life, Charles Edwin Mathis. They had a whirlwind 6 month courtship and married on September 20, 1958. Together, they made a home in Bryan, Texas and then later in Palestine, Texas where they raised two sons and a daughter. They were married for 62 years until Charles's passing in 2020.

Virginia had a passion for sewing and she was an accomplished seamstress. She loved the challenge of creating difficult and intricate pieces, such as ball gowns, costumes, and even wedding dresses. She loved to bake and read, having an extensive collection of books, especially western novels. Virginia was a devout Christian and always put God and her family first. She spent much of her time with her children and grandchildren, always going where she was needed most.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Charles. She is survived by her son, David H. Mathis and daughter-in-law, Diane of Palestine, TX; her son, John Mathis and daughter-in-law, Debbie of Conroe, TX; her daughter, Elizabeth Clements and son-in-law Keith of Bryan, TX; grandchildren, Monica Neusen, Joanna Wilson, David C. Mathis, Jeremy Mathis, Jack Clements, Grace Clements, and Kate Clements; great-grandchildren, Ashlee Neusen, Jessica Sullivan and husband, Aaron, Juston Wilson, Keithian Wilson, Riley Franco, Brandon Berry, and Aspen Gray; three great-great grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. Virginia had a full life and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be at Memorial Funeral Home in Hearne, Texas on Tuesday, May 17th from 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. with funeral beginning at 11:00. Graveside committal will be at Norwood Cemetery. A reception will be held immediately following at Hearne Clubhouse, 405 Norwood Lane, Hearne, TX 77859.