Dorothy (Dot) Ray Baynard Mathis July 13, 1939 - August 11, 2024

Dorothy Ray Baynard Mathis entered peacefully into the presence of our LORD on Sunday night, August 11, 2024.  Mrs. Mathis was the daughter of the late J.W. and Pauline Baynard.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Bennett Mathis, and her son Mike "Mousey" Mathis, and two brothers, Jimmy Baynard and Bill Baynard. Mrs. Mathis was a long time resident of Ruth, where she raised her family on Collett Street, which has now been renamed D Mathis Drive in honor of her and her husband Don.  Mrs. Mathis was best known in the community for her work in the tax map office, where she was helpful, knowledgeable, and kind to all who met her in her 35 plus  years of service to Rutherford County.  She was known for being an avid fan of the Tar Heels, golf, baseball, basketball, and of course, R-S Central Football.  She loved to read, and was immensely knowledgeable in many subjects.  Her nightly routine always included Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and she almost always beat everyone in the room at solving the puzzles.   She enjoyed time with family and particularly vacations to the NC Outer Banks. She was a faithful member of the Southern Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, where she taught many children in Sunday School and helped start the children's church and puppet ministry.  Mrs. Mathis was most importantly a believer in Jesus Christ, and she rests today in the presence of God having claimed the promises of her faith. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Mathis Courtney (Scott) and her son Tim Mathis (Lenora), all of Rutherfordton, one brother Don Baynard (Carolyn) of Ruth as well as five grandchildren: Caleb Courtney (Kelly) of Wilmington, NC, Casey Courtney of Charleston, SC, Colton Courtney of Boone, NC, Logan Mathis of Boone, NC, and Xander Mathis of Rutherfordton, NC. A graveside  memorial service will be held for Mrs. Mathis at 10:00 A.M.  Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Southern Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Peter Surran and Reverend Dr. Scott Courtney officiating.  The family will greet friends in the Christian Life Center following the graveside service.  In lieu of flowers memorials   may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Southern Baptist Church;  140 Church Street; Rutherfordton, NC 28139.  The family would like to thank the community for their support and prayers during this difficult time.  McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory in charge of arrangements.