Rose "Dolly" Mathews

Rose “Dolly” Mathews, age 97, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on April 6, 2025. Born on August 6, 1927, in Baltimore, Maryland, Dolly was the daughter of the late Irvin and Katherine Thearle. Dolly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, WB Mathews, in 1996, and by her sister, June Whaley of Decatur, Tennessee. 

She is survived by her four devoted children: Ronald Mathews of Candler, Claudia Flickinger of Waynesville, Marsha Donaldson (Mike) of Canton, and Hugh Mathews (Darlene) of Canton. She also leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren: Tanya Carver, Steven Flickinger, Mark Flickinger, Misty Trantham, Lindsey Hipps, Mickey Mathews, Penny Mathews, Megan Towe, and Travis Donaldson, along with 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. 

Dolly was the heart of her family—a fun-loving, nurturing, and fiercely independent spirit who was both feisty and strong-willed. She was an exceptional homemaker with a passion for tending her vibrant flower beds and bountiful vegetable gardens. Dolly also loved raising and caring for her Yorkshire terriers and poodles, and she enjoyed participating in local dog shows.

 Family will receive guests and friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 10, with memorial services beginning at 2:00 PM at Wells Funeral Home in Canton. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Cemetery in Candler.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sarges Animal Rescue. 

Her legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

The care of Mrs. Mathews has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.