Linda Ruth Mathis

Linda Ruth Mathis, known affectionately as Nanny, passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on August 20, 1947, in Altha, Florida, she lived a life centered on family, faith, and quiet generosity. A longtime general manager at Dollar General, Linda found her greatest joy in time spent with “her girls,” creating cherished memories during family outings and everyday moments together.

She was a devoted member of Crosspoint Baptist Fellowship, where she and her husband, Ivy “Terry” Mathis, were faithful servants for many years. Linda especially loved rising early to help Aunt Frances and the cooking team prepare chicken dinners, peeling potatoes alongside her church family and sharing in the warmth of fellowship. She and Terry were present whenever the church doors were open, always ready to lend a hand.

Linda shared a close bond with her brother Tommy, frequently traveling with Terry to visit him in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she enjoyed hours at the slot machines while Terry played blackjack. She had a lifelong love of shopping and a keen eye for a good deal, whether hunting clearance racks, attending auctions with Terry, or running their eBay store. In later years, she delighted in watching QVC from home and eagerly sharing each day’s special value with anyone who would listen. She also enjoyed bowling in a league with close friends in her younger days and had a deep passion for history, often captivating others with fascinating stories and facts.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Ivy “Terry” Mathis; her children, Michael Scott Mathis and Leigh Anne Mathis Baron; her parents, Emma Pippin and Melvin Hamilton; and her siblings, Beth Pippin, Laurie Pippin, and Tommy King. She is survived by her grandchildren, Courtney Folsom and Hannah Baron, and her great-grandchildren, Gracie, Ryleigh, Paisley, and Oaklynn, who brought her immense joy.

To her family, Linda was the glue that held them together. She will be remembered as a woman of kindness, love, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.