Mary Alwayne (Matthews) Matthews Scott

Mary Matthews Scott, 92, of College Park, died peacefully on May 3, 2010, surrounded by loving family. She was a retired Fulton County educator and a true southern lady. Born February 10, 1918 in Gainesville, GA to Pearce and Laura Candler Matthews, she was the youngest of three children. After living in Avondale for several years, the family moved to Smyrna, which became their home-place for many years. She graduated from Girls High School and then from Agnes Scott College magna cum laude in 1940. While at Agnes Scott she was editor of the Aurora literary magazine and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In 1941 she married the love of her life, Harold Scott, an accomplished musician. After his service in WWII, they moved to Newton Estates in College Park and created a warm, loving home for their four daughters, filled with music, literature, history, sports and dogs. After beginning her teaching career at Fitzhugh Lee in Smyrna, she returned to teaching in 1966 at Lakeshore High School, where she taught English until retiring in 1981. In retirement, the Scotts enjoyed traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, she treasured her family, friendships and the groups with which she was connected. She was an active member of College Park First UMC for 60 years. She was a co-founder and member of the same book group for over 50 years and enjoyed reading with a passion. As a member of the Crossroads Garden Club, she maintained friendships with many of her former Newton Estates neighbors. She and her husband also spent many happy times with couples from their former neighborhood. Over the years, she remained close friends with many of her former classmates from Girls High and Agnes Scott, as well as colleagues from Lakeshore High School. In addition, she was an active and loyal member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Beta Nu Chapter. Although her health no longer allowed her to actively participate in these organizations, she still cherished and deeply appreciated these friendships. Mrs. Scott was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Harold Scott; daughter, Eugenia Scott Watson; and granddaughter, Kerry Harike Joedecke. She is survived by 3 daughters: Mary June Harike of St. Simons Island, Carey (Fred) Sanderson of Roswell, Harriet Scott of College Park; grandchildren: Andrew Lester of Smyrna, Joe (Samantha) Lester of Menlo, Scott (Donnetta) Harike of Woodstock, Kevin (Sunny) Harike of Canton, Justin (Jamie) Sanderson of Woodstock, Jessica Sanderson and fiancé Paul Kraft of Woodstock; great-grandchildren: Donovan Harike, Liam Harike, Zackery Lester, Alex Westbrook; nieces Betty (Bill) Matthews Bonnett of Kirkland, WA and Nancy Matthews Musarra of Vinings; special caregivers: Wanda Adams, Joyce Shannon, and Dot Kerlin. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of Emory Midtown and St. Joseph’s Hospitals for their loving and expert care. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 6 from 4-7 p.m. at Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home in East Point. Service will be on Friday, May 7 at 11:00 a.m. at College Park First United Methodist Church, with interment at Crest Lawn Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to College Park First United Methodist Church.Arrangements under the direction of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home, East Point, East Point, GA.