Lillie Carolyn Mathison

Lillie Carolyn Mathison

Lillie Carolyn Johnson Mathison was born at Spencer, Iowa February 10, 1930. She was the third of nine children born to Mable Waltz Johnson and William Leroy Johnson. Lillie worked  at an early age for her father selling fruit and vegetables at a Spencer roadside market. She graduated from Spencer High School in 1948 and married Al Marvin Mathison soon after high school. They lived in the northwest Iowa area and a short time in California only to return to Iowa. Their first son Tom was born in 1950 and second son Randy born in 1956.

They moved to Laurens, Iowa in 1959 at which time their third child Jolene was born. Lillie worked over 30 years as a school cook in Laurens. She was known for her mastery in sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She also enjoyed bowling on a league and later in life trips to the casino. Marv and Lillie traveled the US on a motorcycle with various friends. Her favorite pastimes were spending time with her brothers and sisters and their families. Lillie was known by her extended  family as the ‘cookie Aunt’ as she always baked hundreds of cookies for family events.

In 1993 Lillie and Marv moved to Harrison, Arkansas. She continued her hobbies and enjoyed time spent with Randy’s family. In 2003 Lillie and Marv moved to the Omaha, Nebraska area.  She lived at Hillcrest Mable Rose for 14 years. While at Mable Rose she developed many friends, she was engaged in recreation at Mable Rose including being a red hat society member “Thorny Rose” and managing the community gift shop.  She enjoyed her apartment and watching her granddaughter Jordan grow up.

She was well cared for at Mable Rose. Her family wants to acknowledge the wonderful team at Mable Rose for many years of dedication and love for Lillie. The care she was provided by the Hillcrest Hospice team her last 4 months of life was outstanding.

Lillie passed away at her beloved Hillcrest Mable Rose surrounded by family on July 26, 2019.  Lillie is survived by son Tom and daughter-in-law Renee (Kansas City, MO), daughter  Jolene and son-in-law Johnny Roberts (Bellevue, NE), her grandson Jason Mathison and great granddaughter Abigail (Warrenton, MO),her granddaughter Melissa (Bella Vista, Arkansas)  her granddaughter  Jordan Roberts (Lincoln, NE), sister Leota Jochims (Des Moines, Iowa), and brothers Otto Johnson (Clive, Iowa), Jim Johnson (Remson, Iowa), brother-in-law Elton Wolfe (Des Moines, Iowa), sister-in-law Pam Johnson (Morrison, Colorado), many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding Lillie’s death is her husband of 60 years Marv Mathison and her son Randy Mathison. Lillie requested no funeral and a private burial.

Memorials can be sent to Hillcrest Hospice, Bellevue, NE or to Jolene Roberts, 1902 Harlan Drive, Bellevue, NE 68005.  

3 Comments

  • Lisa Summers Posted July 28, 2019 9:26 pm

    It was an honor to know and create memories with Lillie. She’s been a staple in my life for the last 11 years and I’m so grateful for the time I spent with her during her final days. She made an impact on so many lives. I am praying her family finds peace in their hearts during this time and I’m sending them all love and light.

  • Andrea Walther Posted July 29, 2019 5:32 am

    She lived a beautiful life. I will miss her!

  • Virginia McEnany Posted July 31, 2019 1:34 pm

    She was a great fun cousin-we didn’t get too spend much time together later years but still thought of her as she was 2 months older than me. Rest in peace Lillie.

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