Katheryn Nettie Mathes

Katheryn N. Mathes of Destin, Florida passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

Katheryn was born May 11, 1945, to Thomas Andrew Vestal and Melinda Denzel Smelcer in Greeneville, Tennessee. She considered Destin her home and also felt strongly connected to her roots in Tennessee.

In 1962 she married the love of her life Douglas McArthur Mathes in Jonesborough, Tennessee. They gave birth to their first son “Douglas” Judge Mathes in November of 1963, their only daughter Terry “Lynn” Mathes in September 1964 and their son Douglas “Hud” Mathes in September 1965, all were born at Womack Army Hospital. This allowed Katheryn to accomplish what she wanted in life – to love, be loved, and have a family of her own.  Family was the most important thing in her life.

Katheryn excelled at propping up her family and friends and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. She was not only a Mother to her children but also a Mother and an inspiration to the numerous exchange students she sponsored for the past several years. She made it her mission to enrich and improve the lives of others.

Katheryn immediately lit up any room she entered and made an impact on so many people. She loved her friends and family and filled her home with warmth and kindness. We will miss her greatly.

Katheryn was preceded in death by her Father Thomas Andrew Vestal, Mother Melinda Denzel Smelcer, and Sisters Dorothy Barrett and Ruth Hutton all of Greeneville Tennessee.

She is survived by her loving husband Doug Mathes, son Douglas Mathes, daughter Lynn (Cliff) Cox, son Hud Mathes, grandchildren Destinee Perdue (Trey) Hodges, Marshall Hud Mathes, Hanah Lee Mathes, great grandchildren Marina Lynn Hodges and Declan Marshall Mathes, brother Doyle Knight of Kennesaw, Georgia, sister-in-law Mitzi (Gary) McNeil of Charlotte, North Carolina, brother-in-law Brum Lee Mathes of Greeneville, Tennessee, sisters-in-law Patsy Mathes and Stella Mathes of Greeneville, Tennessee, brother-in-law Jerry Mathes of Augusta, Georgia, brother-in-law Ricky Mathes of Pensacola, Florida, brother-in-law R.A. (June) Johnson of Boynton Beach, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.

May love be what you remember most

Walk in Faith and You Will Never Walk Alone

A Celebration of Life will be held in Destin, Florida – Date and time to be announced.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McLaughlinMortuary.com

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