Elizabeth Mathes

Elizabeth Ann Mathes, age 71, of Birmingham, AL, passed away on October 10, 2018, after a weeklong struggle with a longterm illness. A native of Atlanta, GA, she was born February 18, 1947, to Jacqueline Eugenia Woolfolk Mathes and the late Reverend Dr. Frank Alfred Mathes. Elizabeth was a graduate of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, and received her masters at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Before retirement, she was employed by the State of Alabama as a rehab counselor with the Homewood office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, helping challenged high school students find a calling and employment.

A lifelong Presbyterian, Elizabeth moved to Birmingham as an infant, when her father became the pastor of South Highland Presbyterian Church, 1947-57. In fact, her parents came home early from a year of study in Edinburgh, for Elizabeth to be born in the United States. Early in 1958, the family moved to Coral Gables, FL, to serve in Granada Presbyterian Church (PCUS), and in 1964, to Savannah, GA, to serve the Independent Presbyterian Church. Elizabeth finished her senior year at Savannah High School and stayed another year again to graduate from Savannah Country Day School in 1965. In her first year at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA, it was discovered she had a Ewing sarcoma, for which she was treated in Savannah and in Gainesville, FL. She patiently endured many hospitalizations lifelong, as a result of those aggressive though successful procedures.

Attending several colleges on her path to a Bachelor’s degree during her cancer recovery, Elizabeth completed her studies at Agnes Scott College, where she served as editor of the school’s literary magazine/newspaper. After college years, she lived a while with her older sister Rachel, a professional opera singer, in Dűesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Elizabeth’s employment in those years included work for operatic talent agents and Morgan & Stanley investments. In 1984, the family returned to Birmingham to support aging parents. Elizabeth attended several churches in Birmingham, including Briarwood and Edgewood Presbyterian, but her membership and ministry at South Highland Presbyterian Church was ongoing and included singles fellowship events, Presbyterian Women’s Circle 2, singing in the Chancel Choir, and teaching the WannaBe’s Sunday School class.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her love of plants and animals. She had a green thumb and filled her homes inside and out with flowers. Surely now she is surrounded by the 15 or so dogs and cats she rescued in her lifetime, bringing her first cat home from elementary school one day, with both fleas and kittens-to-be. The family’s summer home in Blowing Rock, NC, for 40+ years held a special place in her heart. Elizabeth loved to try new things – new recipes, new electronics, new clothing – always an addicted shopper. She also loved to be out in the community attending craft festivals, concerts, and other events when she could, even trying her own hand at making jewelry, pottery, and painting in later years. With an almost photographic memory, she was known for her “computer brain” and her love of literature and books, reading a whole novel in one afternoon. She was a determined spirit who always knew “she was right,” but she also sought out those who live on the fringes to engage and welcome them into her circle of friends. She is survived by her 104-year-old mother Jacqueline of Birmingham; and by her sister Beecher, of Athens, GA. Her sister Rachel Clarke Mathes died in 2013 in Birmingham; her sister Martha Mathes Hopper died in 2011 in Kingsport, TN; and her father Al died in 1992 in Birmingham.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 16, at 2:00 p.m., at South Highland Presbyterian Church, 2035 Highland Avenue, with the Rev. Drs. Ed Hurley and Larry Michael officiating, along with the Rev. Dr. Dana Waters. A brief reception will be held after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund at South Highland Presbyterian Church to support ministry for senior singles. Many thanks are extended to the staff of Brookwood Baptist Health and Galleria Woods for their kindness and support. Ridout’s Valley Chapel of Homewood is in charge of arrangements. Ashes will be interred by the family at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, GA. We give thanks to God for the gift of Elizabeth and all in her that was good and kind and faithful.