July 17, 1952 – Aug. 13, 2011

NATCHEZ — Services for mother Shirley S. Mathews, 59, of Natchez, who died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at her residence, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Egypt Baptist Church with the Rev. Ernest Ford Sr. officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Bateaste Memorial Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mrs. Mathews was born July 17, 1952, in Natchez, the daughter of Shelby L. Sewell and Christine T. Sewell. She was a 1970 graduate of Sadie V. Thompson High School and a 1973 graduate of Alcorn State University with a bachelor of science degree.

She was a retired educator, having been employed by Louisiana public school system and Natchez-Adams School District. She was a member of Alcorn State University Alumni. She also served on the Mother Board at Egypt Baptsit Church.

Shirley was friendly, outgoing, talkative and a mentor for young people. She loved to call and visit people and send loving and caring cards.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Michael L. Sewell.

Survivors include her husband, James Mathews III; one daughter, Jamiyah Mathews; one sister, Christine Sewell Johnson; four aunts, Floridsten Ivory, Luticia Williams and husband, Archie, Margaret Hill and Alma Turner; three uncles, Walter Turner and wife, Hilda, Willie Turner and Wilbert Turner; three nephews, Kevin Sewell, Ryan Johnson and LaJon Nelson; one niece, Yolanda S. Sonniers; sisters and brothers-in-law, Glori N. Sewell, Linda Ellis and husband, Eugene, Mary Williams, Gerry Bonner and husband, Lawrence, Arnetha Ball and husband, Fred, and Kelvin L. Johnson; father-in-law, James Mathews Sr.; and a number of godchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be class of 1970.