A Celebration of Life will be held at Steward Memorial CME Church on Saturday, May 24, 2025, located at 60 S. Cypress Ave., Columbus, OH 43222. Visitation will be from 9:00–10:00 a.m., with Homegoing Services beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. Interment: Glenrest Memorial Estates. 

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary Ann’s honor to the nonprofit organization of your choice, or that acts of kindness be extended to someone in need—just as she did throughout her life.

 

 

Mary Ann (Taylor) Mathis
December 24, 1943 – May 9, 2025

Mrs. Mary Ann (Taylor) Mathis entered eternal rest on May 9, 2025, at her home in Westerville, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old.

Mary Ann was born on December 24, 1943, in Brownsville, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Ridley Taylor, Sr. and Beulah (Evans) Taylor. She was one of ten siblings in a family that instilled in her the values of faith, education, and service—principles she carried throughout her life.

A gifted student with a deep passion for learning, Mary Ann excelled in mathematics, accounting, and the sciences. Her academic achievements led her to graduate early from Carver High School and pursue higher education at Murray State University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with double minors in Chemistry and History.

While home from college and staying with her sister Charlene, Mary Ann met Don Mathis, the man who would become her husband. After a brief courtship and Don’s return from military service, the two were married and began their life together in Mansfield, Ohio. There, they raised their nephews, Ronnie and Charles Taylor, before welcoming their daughters, Inga and Ilea Mathis.

The Mathis family later moved to Westerville, Ohio, where Mary Ann continued her devotion to education and community. She worked as a biology teacher and counselor at Linden McKinley High School, later continuing her impactful career at Fort Hayes Career Center. Her dedication to her students and her ability to inspire young minds left a lasting legacy in the lives of many.

Mary Ann also proudly served her country by following in her husband's footsteps and joining the United States Army. Transitioning from the classroom to a military career, she became a full-time medical recruiter. Her excellence and leadership earned her national recognition as “Best in the Nation” and led to her promotion to the distinguished rank of Lieutenant Colonel—a reflection of her integrity, discipline, and commitment.

A woman of strong faith, Mary Ann was a lifelong member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and served faithfully for more than 50 years at Steward Memorial CME Church in Columbus, Ohio. Whether feeding the homeless, visiting the sick and shut-in, or lending a hand in various ministries, she lived out her faith in service to others.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Mathis; her parents, Ridley Sr. and Beulah (Evans) Taylor; her brothers, Aaron, Johnnie Frank, Lawrence Sr., Ridley Jr., and Lee Taylor; and her sisters, Charlene (Taylor) Chism and Olivia (Taylor) Brown.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and grace. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Inga and Ilea Mathis; her adored grandchildren, Taylor, Christian, and Isaiah Mathis; her sister, Queen Estes; her brother, Rev. Dr. Joseph Taylor; her sister-in-law, Viola Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and her Steward Memorial CME Church family.

Mary Ann Mathis will always be remembered for her unwavering faith, quiet strength, deep compassion, and steadfast commitment to family, education, and community. Her light lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.