Jere Van Mathews

Jere Van Mathews, 85, of Lexington, ended his Happy Hour on July 19, 2023, at seven o’ clock p.m.

A lifelong resident of Oglethorpe County, Jere was the life of the party who never met a stranger. He retired from the Georgia Department of Transportation where he worked as an engineer, and he was a member of Lighthouse Methodist Church. He served his country and retired from the U.S. Army National Guard as a Staff Sergeant and was a longtime member of the American Legion in Lexington. He loved the Georgia Bulldawgs and the Atlanta Braves.

Along with his parents, George R. Mathews and Frances Holmes Mathews, Jere was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Kitchens Mathews; two sisters, Moina Johnson and Geneva Oldham; two stepsons, Tracy Smith and Trampus Smith; and two grandchildren, Leann Mauldin and Jonathan Smith.

Jere is survived by his daughters: Lynn Baughcum (Mickey), Andrea Baker (Freddie), Deean Poulnott (Ray) and Donna Smith; siblings Martha Rayburn and George M. “Buddy” Mathews (Sandra B.); thirteen grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 22 at Lord and Stephens, East Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Donnie Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com