AHOSKIE – Mrs. Ella Mary Lewis Mathewson, 94, went home to Jesus on July 16, 2011 at the Ahoskie House, Ahoskie, NC.

She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on May 28, 1917 to the late Albert (A.R.) and Hattie Turner Lewis and was one of 13 children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank A. Mathewson, Sr. who she met and graduated with at Shaw University.

She leaves to cherish her memories her seven children: Frank A. Mathewson Jr. (Dianne) of Charlotte, Jack L.E. Mathewson (Cora) of Greensboro, William H. Mathewson of Carrboro, Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Davis (Lemuel B.) of Virginia Beach, VA, Alfred D. Mathewson (Pamelya) of Albuquerque, NM, Raleigh C. Mathewson (Brenda) of Whitesburg, TN and John T. Mathewson (Lesli) of Bethesda, MD; one sister, Nancy Wilson of Bremerton, WA; 14 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was a retired school teacher, serving multiple counties including Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Johnston schools. She was a 1935 graduate for Waters Training School and a 1939 graduate of Shaw University. She also attended New York University.

Considered the family historian, she could trace her maternal family back to 1785 in Virginia; proudly proclaimed her Meherrin Indian Tribe lineage; loved Alfred Lloyd Tennyson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; and spoke Latin.

She had a penchant for writing to dignitaries, including Eleanor Roosevelt wrote her back in 1959.

She completely devoted her life to Jesus Christ and attended Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church in Windsor.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2011 at Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shaw University in her name. Donations can be sent to Shaw University, Office of the President, 118 East South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Please make the notation: In memory of Ella Lewis Mathewson (’39).