Suzanne Mathews

Our beloved Mother and Sister, Suzanne Mathews, left her earthly home to reside with the Lord on November 24, 2014. She was born on December 8, 1931 to Edwin Hardin and Merle (Fowler) Harden of Malvern, Arkansas where she was raised. While attending Henderson State University, Suzanne was crowned Miss Malvern and was second runner-up in the Miss Arkansas Pageant. After attending college, she married Jim Mathews and they moved to Sheridan. For the next 13 years, Suzanne and Jim raised their four children together, worked at their small business and were very active members of the First Baptist Church in Sheridan. In 1964 the family moved to North Little Rock and Suzanne began her 30 year career at UAMS and served as the Director of Student Affairs and Housing. At this time also, she was active in Little Rock BPW and was a member of Baring Cross Baptist Church. As a 50 year member Suzanne served as a member of the Church Choir, Director of the WMU, XYZ Senior's group and as a Sunday School Teacher. Suzanne was preceded in death by her father and mother; husband of 51 years, Jim; and daughter-in-law Liz Mathews. She is survived by her four children, Margaret Bise (Robert); Paul Mathews; Dan Mathews (Vicki); all of whom reside in North Little Rock and Janet Thelen (Chuck) of Columbus, Missouri. Suzanne is also survived by her brothers, Jack and Lon Hardin of Hot Springs Village; sister, Rebecca Schomburg of St. Louis, Mo.; five grandsons, Jeff (Beth); Ben (Heather); Nathan; David (Melanie); Paul Jr.; and three great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held for Suzanne on Saturday, November 29th, 2014, 12 noon at the Baring Cross Baptist Church in Sherwood. The Celebration of Life service will commence at the church at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Marty Watson officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Fox Ridge Assisted Living, Baptist Health-North Hospital and Hospice Home Care Center for the loving care they gave to Suzanne over this past year. In lieu of the flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Harvest Day or Lottie Moon Offerings at Baring Cross Baptist Church. Please share your memory of Suzanne at our web site, www.griffinleggett.com.