Mary Carnes Mathewes

Mary Carnes Mathewes, 99, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024, surrounded by her family. A Requiem Mass will be held on Saturday August 3, 2024, at the Church of the Holy Communion, 218 Ashley Avenue, at 11:00 am. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow in the Church parish hall. Burial will be private. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

Mary was born October 19, 1924 in Charleston, SC. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert Cooper Carnes and Susan White Carnes; her devoted husband, Benjamin Louis BL Mathewes; and adoring son, Thomas Louis Tommy Mathewes. 

Mary is survived by her son, Father Gregory Gary Mathewes-Green (Frederica); and daughter, Cathy Mathewes Harter (Rusty). She is also survived by and affectionately known as Nana by her seven grandchildren: Carey Coleman (Vesna), Megan Mathieson, David Mathewes (Marcella), Catherine Cox (Thomas), Father Stephen Mathewes (Jocelyn), Anna Mathewes, Thomas Mathewes (Haley); 19 great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren: Trad Harter (Leanne), Rhett Harter (Jodi), and Carly Davis (Kyle); eight step great-grandchildren; and four step great-great-grandchildren. 

Mary graduated from Memminger High School and went on to attend The Citadel where she earned a diploma in Elementary Engineering and Mathematics. She was employed by the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Mary was a lifelong bridge player and a member of the Bridge Center of Charleston, having achieved the award of Bronze Life Master. She had a servants heart and delivered Meals on Wheels in the Charleston Peninsula for decades. Mary was a faithful, devout, and lifelong member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion. She was a founding member of Saint Catherines Guild and participated in numerous church committees. She will be long remembered as a gracious woman of strong faith whose greatest joy was her family. 

The Mathewes family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Ashley Gardens and Crescent Hospice, who provided care with compassion and love. 

Memorials may be sent to the Church of the Holy Communion Endowment Fund, 218 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403. 

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