Mary Louise Mathis Young Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Louise Churchill Mathis Young, 100, of Carmi, formerly of Ft. Lauderdale and Okeechobee, FL, found peace in her Heavenly home on August 22, 2020. Mary Louise was born in Perks, Illinois on August 17, 1920 to Leonard Franklin and Myra Della (Hoffner) Churchill. She was the eldest of four siblings who grew up in rural Southern Illinois. She graduated from Joppa High School as Valedictorian. She was wed to John Wilber Mathis in 1938 and they shared 29 years together. He preceded her in death in 1974. Their marriage produced the greatest joys of her life, her four beautiful children, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren. Mary was a joyful, fun-loving woman who was an example of strength and grace to those who knew her. Mary enjoyed ballroom dancing, gardening, and was a fierce Scrabble opponent. In her later years she maintained a strong social connection with family and friends across the country. With her home and flower gardens, she strove to beautify the world around her. She will be remembered for the legacy she leaves behind – her loving family. She leaves behind her son, Clifford (Rita) Mathis; daughter, Anita (Pat) Condon; Son-in-Law, Bill Higginson; grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews who all will miss their beloved “Mama Mary.” Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Len and Della Churchill; brother, Clifford Churchill; sisters, Anna Mae Middleton and Doris Jean Murphy; son, Johnnie Mathis and daughter, Myrna Sue Higginson. A small family service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel. Interment to follow in Egyptian Memorial Gardens. Groups of 50 people at a time will be allowed in to pay their respects. Those attending the funeral service are requested to observe customarily accepted social distancing procedures. All attendees are reminded that, in accordance with recently announced State of Illinois guidelines, masks or face coverings are required in public spaces. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Mary Louise Mathis Young

August 17, 1920 - August 22, 2020