Ms. Mary Matthews

Mary Louise Esaw Matthews, affectionately known as “Weeze” was born December 20, 1954. She was the youngest daughter of the late Cornelious and Estelle Robinson Esaw. She peacefully slipped away from us on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Weeze started her education at Florence C. Benson Elementary and Howard Elementary Schools in Columbia, South Carolina and Cedar Grove Elementary in Lone Star, South Carolina; Booker T. Washington High School, Dreher High School and back to Booker T. Washington, where she graduated in 1973. She continued her education by attending South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina studying Family and Consumer Sciences. She later went on to attend Midlands Technical College and Allen University.

Weeze was baptized and became a member of St. Mark Baptist Church in Lone Star, South Carolina. After relocating to Columbia, South Carolina, she joined Taylor Memorial Baptist Church under Watch Care. At Taylor Memorial, she eagerly loved serving when there was an event that required culinary services. Weeze married Howard Matthews on December 19, 1980 and this union was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Robyn St. Claire.

Weeze was employed as an Certified Nursing Assistant with the State of South Carolina, working with the elders at CM Tucker, Jr. Nursing Care Center for thirty plus years. She was the first of her sibllings to retire and did so at the age of 55.

Weeze was preceded in death by her parents Cornelious and Estelle Robinson Esaw; and her husband Howard Matthews.

Weeze leaves to cherish fond memories with her daughter, Robyn M. (Calvin) Brackett; three grandchildren, Rozalynn, Raelynn and Calvin ‘Cash’ Brackett, III; her sisters, AdrenaEsaw Jackson and Annie Ruth Esaw; and a host of cousins (who were like sisters and brothers), nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will all miss her dearly.

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