Calvin L. Mathis
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Memorial for Calvin L. Mathis
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Born in Chester, PA on Nov. 9, 1940
Departed on Feb. 29, 2016 and resided in Wilmington, DE.
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| Visitation: |
Thursday, Mar. 10, 2016
09:00 am - 11:00 am
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| Service: |
Thursday, Mar. 10, 2016
11:00 am
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| Cemetery: |
Chester Rural Cemetery
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.
Calvin Louis Mathis was one of eleven children born to the late Lee and Mamie Mathis on November 9, 1940, in Chester, Pennsylvania. He was raised in a Christian home where he was taught the importance of God and family. He received his formal education in the Chester Public Schools.
He was a former member of Bethany Baptist Church, and later became a faithful member of the Elizabeth Spiritual Worship Center in Wilmington, Delaware, where he served on the Senior Usher Board.
In November, 1961, Calvin was blessed with his first child, a son, Calvin Walter Mathis. During his first marriage, which occurred in September, 1965, his two beautiful children, Jeffrey and Kelly, were born. Calvin was a wonderful provider who will be remembered for giving great advice, for his unconditional love, loyalty, steadfastness, kindness, and sense of humor. He had deep admiration for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He treasured the times spent together with his family and especially being a mentor to his brother, Clarence. He was called Pop-Pop by many other children who met and loved him.
On November 30, 2005 Calvin married the love of his life, Diana, with brother Clarence and sister-in-law Gloria witnessing the wedding ceremony. Calvin received much joy and enrichment from cooking at home, purchasing beautiful attire, loving music, and enjoying all the friends and associates with whom he interacted at the Centers. His greatest love was dancing and he could often be found on the dance floor dancing the night away.
Calvin and Diana enjoyed traveling and vacationing in Florida, New York, Canada, South Carolina, taking cruises, and especially those wonderful family reunions with his in-laws in Georgia.
He began his career as an inspector for General Motors at the Boxwood Plant in Wilmington, Delaware, where he worked for 35 years until his retirement. He was a member of United Auto Workers Local 435. After retiring, Calvin found another calling, being a volunteer. There is a quote that states "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others". Calvin, in his dedication and commitment made this quote come true, by enriching the lives of others through volunteer work at the Food Bank, Salvation Army, Claymont, Newark, and Wilmington Senior Centers.
Calvin was predeceased by three brothers; John, George Spencer; two sisters, Hattie Mae, and Linda. To celebrate his legacy, he leaves a loving and devoted wife, Diana; four children, Jeffrey, Kelly (Taison), Calvin and Robert (Frances); three brothers, Stanley, Clarence (Gloria) and Kenneth Mathis; two sisters Alberta Granger, Rosemary Mathis; five grandchildren Shawn, Kira, Tishanay, Andres, and Candice; and one great-grandchild, Sasha Marie. He is also survived by four brothers-in-law; Venson Means (Debra Ann), Robert Means (Barbara Ann), Wayne Means (Sabrina), and Dr. Juan Baughn (Joyce); seven sisters-in-law, Arfa Bell Latney, Louise McGhee, Laverne Hawkins (Odell), Emma K. Wright, Carolyn Lee (Perry) Mildren Baughn and Regina Chaplin; three godchildren, Olivia Latney, Diana Ginn Fitzgerald, Angela Ginn Meadow; and special friends, Rev. Melissa Bordley, Marquita Matthews, Robert and Karen Martin, Diane Ginn, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.
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