Mary Stripland Mathis

Surrounded by family at her home, Mary Stripland Mathis peacefully passed away September 23, 2022. The matriarch of the Mathis family, Mary gently guided those she loved with poise, grace and, above all, an unfailing faith in the Lord for nearly 94 years.

Mary was born to the late Frank and Mary Byrd Stripland on October 20, 1928, the youngest girl of eight children. As a young lady she lived in Atlanta and worked at Three Sisters Clothing Store, influencing her impeccable style and keen eye for fashion. Through mutual friends she met the love of her life, William Mathis, and they were married January 1, 1948. They settled in Cumming, Georgia on family land where they raised three children and shared over 60 years of marriage. Active members of Brookwood Baptist Church, Mary & William hosted countless events for friends, pastors, and visitors at their home. Youth nights during Summer Revival were celebrated in and around their backyard pool. Their beloved Oak Tree has been home to Brookwood’s annual fall fellowship meeting and several people have come to know the Lord under its branches. For decades, she was a fixture at church events, graciously helping behind the scenes each year at Vacation Bible School, church camps and Kids for Christ. Mary was involved in her community and was a founding officer of Big Creek Elementary School PTA. She was never one to wish for the spotlight or recognition yet was an integral part of it all. Mary rarely had a harsh thing to say and was blessed with the ability to see the best in people.

Mary had a gift for making everything around her more beautiful. She kept a warm and welcoming home, enjoying gardening and flower arranging. The picture of southern hospitality, Mary was a wonderful cook and always had plenty to share. She had a sweet tooth and was well-known for her skills as a baker. So many of her family and friends were privileged to enjoy her delicious cakes, sugar cookies, and perfect biscuits. For decades, every week, she prepared a full Sunday dinner for her entire family. Countless hours spent around her kitchen table made lifelong memories for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many of their friends. The love she freely shared with her community will carry on through generations.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, William R. Mathis; great-grandson, William J. Fagan, III; siblings Varnell Vaughan, Cline Stripland, Gerri Bolton, Syble Hansard, Fred Stripland and Frank Stripland.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Terry (Kathy) Mathis, Rebecca (Quinn) Martin, Kris (Melody) Mathis; grandchildren, Deana (Bill) Fagan, Holly (Keith) Mullinax Evans, Kelly (Stephanie) Mathis, Heidi Roper, Julie Gayle, Tyler (Whitney) Mathis, Ross (Haylee) Martin and Reid Martin; great-grandchildren, Caleb Fagan, Bailey Roper, Anna Roper, Cody Gayle, Stella  Mathis, and  Luke Mathis; her longtime caregiver, Valorie Emmett, and brother Johnny Stripland, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 1:00p at Brookwood Baptist Church, 2775 Brookwood Rd, Cumming, GA 30041. Rev. Tommy Weldy, Rev Donnie Nix, and Rev. Gerral Richards will officiate. The family will receive friends on Monday, September 26, 2022, 2:00p-8:00p at Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave., Cumming, GA 30040 and again on Tuesday, September 27,2022 from 11:00a-12:00p. Interment will immediately follow the funeral in the church cemetery.  

Scott Huskins Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.