Mary Lou Matheny Longmire

Mary Lou Matheny Longmire, 89, who died peacefully on March 29, 2023, was born in Cookeville, Tennessee, the elder daughter of Betty Chambers Matheny (from Scott County) and John Herman Matheny (from Putnam County). In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John C. Longmire. She is survived by her daughter, Louanne Longmire Clabough (Barry); son, John A. Longmire (Patty); grandchildren, Susannah Rae Clabough, Phillip Lewis Clabough; sister, Suzanne Matheny; her Chambers cousins (Joe, Shirley, Martha); her Lemons cousins (Linda, Daniel, Alan, Joe); her Matheny cousins (Pat, Priscilla) and other out of state Matheny relatives. She is also survived by her longtime special friend, Betty Skelton Brewer. Mary Lou was a former dedicated member of First Baptist Church Fountain City where she also was once employed as secretary. She has been a faithful member of Church Street United Methodist Church for many years where she contributed her skills in sewing through the Service Circle, and in food preparation through the Thursday Soup Kitchen. She graduated Fountain City Grammar School, Central High School, attended Carson-Newman University and the University of Tennessee. She was a stay-at-home mom/homemaker while she raised her children. Afterwards, she taught and lovingly touched the lives of preschool children and their families at Central Baptist Church Fountain City's Early Childhood Center until her retirement. During her retirement years she enjoyed caring for her grandchildren, developing a beautiful wildflower garden, assisting with estate sales, and participating in the benevolence undertakings of the Inskip Lions Club, of which she was a loyal member. Mary Lou adored her family, supporting her husband, children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. She was a devoted “big sister.” Her gentleness, kindness, humility, grace, and altruistic spirit were evident in everything she did. A memorial service will be held at Rose Funeral & Cremation-Broadway on Wednesday, April 5, at 5 p.m. with visitation immediately following until 7 p.m. A private graveside service is planned. Officiants are the Rev. Andy Ferguson and the Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton-Wade. The family appreciates the support of Church Street clergy and friends, Franklin & Kyle Elder Law, and caregivers at Oakwood Senior Living, Westmoreland Health Center, Smoky Mountain Hospice and Sacred Ground Hospice House. To further honor the life of Mary Lou, memorial gifts may be directed to: The Betty C. Matheny Scholarship Fund at Carson-Newman University, c/o the Advancement Office, 1646 Russell Avenue, Jefferson City, TN 37760; OR to Church Street UMC (Service Circle or Soup Kitchen), P.O. Box 1303, Knoxville, 37901. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com

Tributes

Mary Lou Matheny Longmire

March 29, 2023