Rebecca Joy Grigsby Mathews

Rebecca Joy Grigsby Mathews, 99 years young and a long-time resident at Asbury Place, Maryville, passed away May 12, 2012, at Blount Memorial Hospital. Lively and positive of mind, she was in good health until recent complications with pneumonia, Joy enjoyed a full and active life and was beloved by a wide array of friends and family. Born and raised in East Tennessee, she attended Elon College, NC, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. She taught high school Home Ec and actively participated in Home Economics groups in TN and ARK. A strong Christian, she attended Graystone Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, TN, for 12 years, Park Hill Presbyterian Church, North Little Rock, ARK, for 14 years, and Eusebia Presbyterian Church, Seymour, TN, for the last 35 years of her life, carrying many active church leadership roles including the office of Elder. Because of her lifelong love for flowers and gardening, she worked with pleasure in several Garden Clubs and brought flowers to the churches she attended many Sundays, earning her the loved title of "Flower Girl." Joy was preceded in death by her husband, E. Philip Mathews, and nine of her eleven brothers and sisters: Edwin Grigsby, Emily Fair, Florence Underwood, Bill Grigsby, Katherine Martin, twins Alan and Oliver Grigsby, Clara Loveday, and Dorothy Todd. She is survived by brothers Eugene Grigsby of Williamsport, OH, and Milburn Grigsby of Knoxville, TN. She is also survived by her son David L. Jean and wife Sandra, of Bowling Green, KY, and her daughter Lin M. Stepp and husband J.L., of Knoxville, TN. Her four grandchildren are: Kelly Christian and husband Darren of Nacogdoches, TX, Phillip Jean and wife Emily of Moncks Corner, SC, Max Stepp of Metairie, LA, and Katherine Stepp of Hope Mills, NC. Five great-grandchildren are Eli, Oliver and Emeri Christian and Avery and Kayla Jean. Often called the "kin-keeper" of her extended family, she will be deeply missed by all. A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 27th, 3:00 pm, at Eusebia Presbyterian Church, 1701 Burnett Station Road, Seymour, TN. Flowers can be delivered to Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rebecca Joy Grigsby Mathews please visit our Sympathy Store.