Mattie ,fondly known as “Mo”, was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on December 24, 1924, to the late Reba (Ruckman) McGowan and the late Judge William Baker McGowan. She spent her youth in South Carolina and graduated Pi Beta Kappa from Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina.
On June 14, 1947, Mattie married the late J. Rupert Fulton of Grottoes, Virginia. They spent the early years of their marriage in Grottoes and in subsequent years resided in Columbia, South Carolina; Hopkinsville, Kentucky; Greensboro, North Carolina, and Portsmouth, Virginia. In 1972, they returned to Meridian Farms in Grottoes, Virginia.
Throughout her long life, Mattie was a scholar, an educator, an athlete and a sports fan. She participated in many sports but her real love was tennis – she was never happier than when she was playing or teaching tennis. During the 1960s as a teaching pro with the United States Tennis Association, Mattie was employed as the tennis pro at Carlson Farms Country Club and Starmount Forest Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina.
As a sports fan, Mattie was a life-long Washington Redskins and New York Yankees fan and always followed the four Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments – she was a huge fan of Chris Evert and Roger Federer.
Mattie enjoyed a long career as a physical education teacher – at the college (Greensboro College), high school (Ferguson HS, Stuarts Draft HS, Fort Defiance HS) and middle school (Stuart MS) levels. Her no nonsense - but compassionate - manner earned the respect and loyalty of students and facility alike. Even today former students share their memories as one of “Mrs. Fulton’s kids” with family and friends.
Mattie lived in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley for more than 45 years and was truly blessed to have so many dear friends throughout the community – she considered Mount Horeb Presbyterian Church and the Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community to be part of her extended family.
Mattie loved her family and was so supportive of each and every one – she never tired of hearing their news! She is survived by her sister, Frances Richardson and husband Francis of Spartanburg, South Carolina; her son, William “Mac” McGowan Fulton and wife, Tracey of Grottoes, Virginia; her daughter, Jane Addison Fulton and husband, Kent Birge of Greensboro, North Carolina; her grandson, John McGowan Fulton and wife, Katie of Mt. Crawford, Virginia; her granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Fulton and husband, Hugo Ariel Diaz Hernandez; three great grandsons, Jacob Ariel Diaz Fulton, Noah Jose Diaz Fulton, and Óđinn John Fulton; as well as beloved nieces and nephews.
The family is truly grateful for all the support and love shown to Mattie during her years in the Valley and beyond. A heartfelt thanks are especially extended to Gladys Wonderly; as well as to the nurses, CMAs, and staff on the 3rd floor at Sunnyside – not only did they lovingly care for “Miss Mattie,” they shared many a story and laugh together. She touched the hearts of many!
In lieu of flowers, it was Mattie’s wish that donations may be made in her memory to the Sunnyside Fellowship Fund, 600 University Boulevard, Suite L, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801 or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes in Staunton, Virginia.
Per Mattie’s wishes, there will be a private graveside service in Edgewood Cemetery, Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church in Grottoes, Virginia, on Thursday, June 14, 2018.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.
