MARY LOU (McCollum) MATTHEWS

of Mattoon, Illinois passed away Sunday, November 29, 2020 at home, surrounded by her
family. Mary Lou was born October 6, 1935 in Cumberland County, Illinois the daughter of
William and Mary Ellen (Music) McCollum. She married Donald M. Matthews April 10, 1955
and they were together for 43 years. Mary Lou's passion was teaching kindergarten for the
Neoga Community School District for 27 years. She was a member of the Illinois Retired
Teachers Association. Mrs. Matthews leaves her children, Doug Matthews, Donica Halcom
(Gary), Jan Shull, and Jill Matthews; grandchildren, Sean Collings (Grace), Kristy Heinbaugh
(Douglas), Clayton McElravy (Megan), Andy McElravy ( his special friend Haley) and Matthew
Shull; eight great grandchildren; brother, Robert McCollum,: her companion, Benji who
brightened many of her days, and Evelyn Hood a special friend of the family. She was preceded
in death by her parents and her stepfather , husband, Don, two brothers and one sister.
Memorials are suggested to the Donor’s Choice.
In accordance with her wishes Cremation Rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life
Service will be held at a later date.
The Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home of Neoga, Illinois is assisting the family.
online condolences may be expressed at www.swengel-odell.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of MARY LOU (McCollum) MATTHEWS, please visit our floral store.