August 28, 1943 - February 17, 2026
Bobbie Kay Mathews passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Cornelius, NC, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, at the age of 82.
She was a very loving and devoted mother to five children, who will miss her deeply. She was known for her sweet disposition and strong belief in God. Kay loved to laugh and was quick to share funny stories. Those who knew Kay always commented on her naturally sweet and warm nature and her kind eyes. She had many friends and even in later years, she offered her tremendous wisdom, guidance, and heart to others-- particularly other women. She was well-known by friends and family for her strength and kind support in her hometown of Lexington, SC. Many of her friends referred to her as “Yoda,” as she dedicated her later life in service of helping others, offering them the benefit of her wisdom.
A pleasant soul with a generous heart, she loved animals, laughter, family gatherings, and silly voices. She never forgot a birthday and loved sending sweet cards to everyone in her life. Kay was also extremely creative--a skilled artist in both making beaded jewelry and interior design. She was very spiritual and was a member of Unity Church in Columbia, SC.
Kay was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, on August 28, 1943, to Bess Marie (Crowder) Mathews and Dillard Mathews. She had three siblings, Robin (Mathews) Billings (Rodney), Paula (Mathews) Ellis, and Dwayne Mathews, who recall their very patient, attentive, and beloved big sister who would take them with her on outings with friends or the local pool to go swimming when they were growing up. She was a natural teacher, who taught her younger siblings how to write their names and the newest dances, even letting them stand on her feet while she performed the steps. She graduated from El Dorado Senior High School in El Dorado and attended Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas.
She leaves behind her five children: Vicki Lynn Gilliam (Ken), Vanessa Elizabeth Mayfield, Ronald Van Hardcastle (Mary), Rebecca Katharine Lewis, and Sarah Bradford Froese. She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Shelby Grant Gilliam (Jada), Alice Taylor Hardcastle, Griffin Reese Hardcastle, Ava Ardenne Tiffany, Gabriella Nicole Tiffany, and Hutch Brockton Froese. She is pre-deceased by her granddaughter Katherine Ferris Gilliam. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Sophia Charlotte Nicholson, Eldridge Gray Gilliam, August Banks Gilliam, Joan Vivalynn Gilliam, Klara Leland Gilliam, Remy Joseph Lewis, and Irene Ruth Lewis. She adored her nieces and nephews, who will miss their Aunt KK: Amy Marie Billings, Carson John Billings, Randall Scott Morrison (Heather), Katherine Diane (Ellis) Wilson (Derrick), and Andrew John (Lindsay) Ellis.
She was a very beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her laughter, unconditional love, and wisdom will be incredibly missed.
Family Gathering
Sunday
February 22, 2026
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Dust To Dust Cemetery
205 Nulty Crossing Road
Swansea, SC 29160 |