Carole K. Mathis

GARNER - Carole Lee Knight Mathis was called home to Glory on April 24. She was born in Lynchburg, VA to Mary Ernestine Wilmer Knight and Braxton Jennings Knight where she and her sister, Rebecca Knight Stone grew up amidst a big, extended and loving Southern family. A dedicated student and life-long learner, Carole graduated from E.C. Glass High School, Madison College (James Madison University), and Lynchburg College. A consummate lover of Jesus, books, education and people, she shared that passion through her work as a librarian, teacher, counselor and mentor. Carole was a strong leader, a devout Christian, and an excellent communicator. She was also an attentive listener. There was no problem too big or too small for her to take the time to hear you and help you make a plan to solve it. Her compassion, generosity and love of Christ knew no bounds. But nothing was a higher priority for Carole than her family. A devoted wife to Donald Ray Mathis for 51 years, Carole savored becoming a North Carolinian and UNC fan by marriage. Their active life revolved around church, school, sports, and family events. A loving mother to Brian Trevor Mathis (of Sanford) and Donna Carole Mathis Brown (of Benson), she left a legacy of patience and kindness as well as a good dose of protectiveness. Beware anyone who messed with Carole’s family and friends. Affectionately called Gram by her three adoring grandchildren: Carter Gregory Mathis, Lacey Olivia Mathis, and Joel Alexander Brown, Carole enjoyed being a grandmother so much. If you knew her, you also know that these three were her very favorite subject and each story was usually accompanied by several of her most recent photos. The feeling was quite mutual, as Gram always had the softest hand to hold, the warmest shoulder on which to cry, and the most encouraging voice to hear. If you were lucky enough to have known Carole, whether you were beloved family, former student, fellow parishioner, beach buddy, or dear friend, we know that she also swept you into her heart. She was a woman with a soft, but powerful voice who touched so many people in her time with us. We will remember her every time we wear her favorite colors (blue and purple), hear her favorite hymn (How Great Thou Art), spot her favorite flowers (azaleas), read her favorite verse (Philippians 4:13) or walk on her favorite beach (Oak Island) and we hope you will, too. Carole is also survived by daughter-in-law Lisa Mathis, son-in-law Jeff Brown and brother-in-law Dick Stone. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to E3:20 Rise Up at First Baptist Church of Garner.