Ellen Jean DeArment Mathews

After spending 89 years with us sharing her grace, joy, and creativity, Ellen Jean DeArment Mathews peacefully passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019 surrounded by loving family. Born in Howland Township, Ohio, and raised in Warren, Ohio, she graduated from Kent State University in 1952, where she had been an active member of student government and the Delta Zeta Sorority (Order of the Pearl). After graduation she remained in Ohio and became a teacher. She married Louis Parker Mathews, Jr. in August 1955. Jean was an avid golfer, bridge player, slot machine aficionado, parent volunteer, and a member of ladies' groups wherever she lived, especially at Colonial Country Club in New Orleans and Diamondhead Country Club in Diamondhead, Mississippi. Since moving to Clemson, South Carolina following Hurricane Katrina, she had been an active member of the Red Hat Society. A two-time cancer survivor, her life was in her laughter and she will always be remembered as a strong, resilient, and brave woman with a wonderful sense of humor.

Jean will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Mary Mathews Freeman, Linda Mathews Lawrence (Christopher), and Louis P. "Pete" Mathews III (Bond). She will also be fondly remembered by her seven grandchildren, Erin, Jamie, Jeffrey, Gary, Kelsey, Reilly, and Parker. Jean was predeceased by her husband, Louis Parker Mathews, Jr.

The family will have a memorial service at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 25, 2020 in the chapel of the Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, 108 Cross Creek Rd., Central, SC. Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, which is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Kelly Gibson Foundation, www.KellyGibsonFoundation.org, supporting children's athletic programming, first responders, and military initiatives.