Carolyn Newman Mathias

She was born the second child of Gervis and Ralph Benjamin Newman on July 20, 1929 in Salley, South Carolina. Carolyn and two of her sisters grew up surrounded by love and happiness despite the austere circumstances of the Great Depression.

Her father found employment with the railway system, and subsequently the family moved often, to Springfield, Orangeburg, Union, Rock Hill and finally to Batesburg, where Carolyn graduated from high school in 1946, an accomplished student who served as Secretary of her senior class. During these years and throughout her life, she made countless friends with her sunny disposition, ever genial personality and innate sense of humor.

Carolyn graduated from Winthrop College in 1950, soon after meeting the love of her life and future husband, William Luther Mathias, and shortly before the birth of her third and youngest sister. She taught elementary school for several years before marrying Bill in January 1953 and beginning many rewarding decades filled with the joy of raising four exceptional children and devoting herself to the needs of family and friends, and to her community. She and Bill lived in Clemson; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Camden before settling in Lexington.

Carolyn gave unconditional love and support to her husband and children, and to her sisters and extended family, and offered understanding and guidance to all who were close to her. She always cared far more about the well-being of others than of herself. She cherished a deep and enduring faith, and she served and participated in many activities at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. Along with Bill and her children, St. Stephen’s was of major importance in her life, giving her peace and comfort.

She served her community and graciously touched the lives of many people by volunteering at Lexington Medical Center for over twenty years. Carolyn was a founding member and past President of the Lexington Women’s Club, played tennis and was an excellent bridge player. She and Bill were loyal and avid Clemson fans, and she attended many enjoyable activities in that regard.

Carolyn lived honorably, knew that she had always been kind and considerate of others, and took great pride in her family. Always caring and empathetic, she was universally loved and respected by her large extended family and by all who knew her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, William Luther Mathias; by three sisters: Virginia Waples (Bill) of Shallotte, North Carolina; Patricia Hamilton (Marion) of Birmingham, Alabama; and Bennie Fisher (Paul) of Landis, North Carolina; by her four children: Catherine E. Mathias of Lexington; Barbara Jane Mathias (Henry Lowrance) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Amy Mathias Cleary (Robert) of Lexington; and John William Mathias (Michele) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and by her two grandchildren: Todd Christopher Cleary and Shannon Michelle Cleary, both of Lexington.

A visitation will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington, on Wednesday, June 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Lexington, on Thursday, June 11, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Lexington, South Carolina 29072.

www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net