Mary Lou Matthews (85) of Mattoon

Print

Published on December 2 2020 7:32 am

Mary Lou Matthews of Mattoon, Illinois passed away Sunday, November 29, 2020, at home, surrounded by her family.

Mary Lou was born October 6, 1935, in Cumberland County, Illinois the daughter of William and Mary Ellen (Music) McCollum. She married Donald M. Matthews on April 10, 1955, and they were together for 43 years.

Mary Lou's passion was teaching kindergarten for the Neoga Community School District for 27 years. She was a member of the Illinois RetiredTeachers Association.

Mrs. Matthews leaves her children, Doug Matthews, Donica Halcom (Gary), Jan Shull, and Jill Matthews; grandchildren, Sean Collings (Grace), Kristy Heinbaugh (Douglas), Clayton McElravy (Megan), Andy McElravy ( his special friend Haley) and Matthew Shull; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Robert McCollum,: her companion, Benji who brightened many of her days, and Evelyn Hood a special friend of the family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, husband, Don, two brothers, and one sister.

Memorials are suggested to the Donor’s Choice. In accordance with her wishes, Cremation Rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home of Neoga, Illinois is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.