Debbie Sheffield Mathis

DEBBIE SHEFFIELD
MATHIS, 50

GRANITE QUARRY, N.C. - Deborah Ann Sheffield Mathis, 50, of Granite Quarry died June 4, 2011 in Rowan Regional Medical Center from cancer. She was the wife of Joe Frank Mathis and the mother of Jared Steele Mathis, Kristen Renee Mathis and Matthew James Blake Mathis, all of the home.
A native of Glendale, CA, Debbie was born Aug. 24, 1960. She grew up in California, Florida and North Carolina. Early in life, she dedicated herself to helping others, and as a teenager worked at the Brian Center in Salisbury. She graduated from East Rowan High School in 1978 and in 1982 received a B.S. degree in business administration from Catawba College. She completed post graduate work at Duke University and was licensed by the North Carolina Nursing Home Administration. She served as administrator of Autumn Care in Salisbury when it first opened and later returned to the Brian Center, where she was administrator for several years. In 2000 she became administrator of the North Carolina Lutheran Home in Salisbury. In 2006, she was named chief operations officer for Lutheran Services for The Aging, Inc.
A member of Shiloh United Methodist Church, Debbie served as chair of Outreach, working with all Outreach programs, especially One Church, One Child and Angel Tree. She also served as acolyte trainer and was active in the United Methodist Women. At Granite Quarry School, she was an avid supporter of the Back Pack program.
Debbie had four great loves. She loved the Lord, she loved her family, she loved her job and serving others --and she loved to be in the mountains with those she loved. A highlight of her life came last September when she and Joe Frank made a trip to Alaska, where they interrupted their Inland Passage cruise for a 1200-mile highway excursion by automobile.
Surviving in addition to her husband and children are her parents, Russ and Irene Morin Sheffield of Auburndale, FL, and a brother, John Russell Sheffield of Altamonte Springs, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Myra Mathis Rand of Mount Ulla; and a brother-in-law, Elliott Mathis of Granite Quarry. Debbie was the daughter-in-law of the late James and Mary Ida Steele Mathis of Granite Quarry. She and Joe Frank were married on Oct. 17, 1992.
Following internment, a memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, in Shiloh United Methodist Church with Pastor H. T. Talbert and former Pastor Jonathan Marlow officiating. Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall, where refreshments will be served. Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Shiloh United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 315, Granite Quarry, NC 28072.