Myrle Walea Mathews

Mrs. Myrle Walea Mathews passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Gray, with the Reverend Randy Darnell officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.  Interment will follow the service at Cedar Ridge Cemetery.

Mrs. Mathews was born in Worth County, Georgia to the late Henry Harvey Walea and Annie OIa Turner Walea. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, William C. Mathews; and by a sister, Gervaise Walea Lawhorne.

Myrle is survived by a daughter, Sylvia M. Rivers of Gray; son, William Mathews, Jr. (Fay) of Gray; three grandchildren, Brian Mathews (Mandy), Leslie Stone (Evan), and Sara Rivers Waldrop; six great grandchildren, Cruise Waldrop, Zachary Mathews, Mathews “Matt” Waldrop, Avery Stone, Addison Mathews, and Harper Stone; great-great granddaughter, Sage Waldrop; and sister, Henri Etta Walea Rogers, of Bellville, Georgia.

Mrs. Mathews was a lifelong educator having served as teacher, principal, curriculum director, and adult educator for more than 40 years (34 in Jones County.) She earned a B.S. degree (Norman College), a Masters and Specialist degree (Georgia College), and an Administration Certificate (University of Georgia.)

Mrs. Mathews was affiliated with the following professional organizations. NEA, GEA, and JEA (President), Supervisors of Georgia (8th District Director); National Association of Curriculum Directors; and more than 50 years membership in Delta Kappa Gamma (Alpha Upsilon President and 3rd District Director (Psi State). In 1988 the Georgia Department of Education named Mrs. Mathews Georgia Outstanding Administrator.  She also received the Friend of Education award in 2014.  In addition to school involvement, Mrs. Mathews taught an adult Sunday school class for 50 plus years and was a member of National Society of Daughters of American Revolution (Regent of Oliver Morton Chapter.)  She also served as WMA President (Buena Vista), Youth Director, Training Union Leader, and served on committees as needed.

The family requests that any memorial be made to the church of your choice or to a favorite charity.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of arrangements.