Deborah Gay (Wenglar) Mathis

Deborah "Debbie" Gay Mathis passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at her sister's home in Victoria, TX on February 5, 2019.  Debbie was born on June 9, 1952 in El Campo, TX to Albert and Doris Wenglar of El Campo, TX.  She grew up in El Campo, where she graduated high school in 1970,

Debbie married Wayne Maxwell after she graduated from high school, giving birth to her children, Clint, Lance, and Amy.

She then remarried Louis "Eddie" Mathis in 1982 and moved to Huntsville, TX where she lived for more than 35 years and where Brad: her youngest son was born.  Ever the hard worker, she was employed full-time while attending college at Sam Houston State University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Business Administration in 1992.  She then worked for the prison system at Wyndham School District for more than 25 years before retiring from TDC in October of 2015.

Debbie enjoyed fishing, traveling, and cooking homemade meals for family and friends. She delighted in taking care of others and often made cakes to share with her co-workers. She also loved quilting, a hobby introduced to her by her best friend Rhonda Flanagin. Over the years, Debbie created many beautiful quilts to keep her family warm. Ever the traveler, Debbie was also known for going on new adventures at the drop of a hat.

Debbie also loved her grandkids with all her heart. She would often take them on special trips, just her and the kids, to spend quality time together.

She is survived by her son Clint Maxwell and daughter-in-law Nancy Maxwell of the Woodlands, TX son Lance Maxwell and daughter-in-law Jill Maxwell of East Bernard, TX daughter Amy Peterson and son-in-law Scott Peterson of Richmond, TX, son Brad Mathis and daughter-in-law Velissa Chapa of Pflugerville, TX, her sister Penny Klatt and brother-in-law Bobby Klatt of Victoria, TX, brother Doug Wenglar and sister-in-law Glenell Wenglar of El Campo, TX and her sister Rebecca "Bejo" Gadeke and brother-in-law Paul Gadeke of El Campo, TX. Debbie is also survived by her five grandchildren: Sydney Maxwell, Jackson Maxwell, Lauren Todish, Benjamin Peterson, and Elizabeth Maxwell, as well as eight step-grandchildren; Nicole, Adam, Grace, Emma, Hannah, Micah, Parker, and Abigail Peterson.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Doris Wenglar of El Campo, TX and her husband Louis Edward Mathis of Huntsville, TX

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at First Baptist Church in El Campo, TX officiated by Pastor Rick DuBroc. Services will begin at 11:am CST, with lunch following in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made at www.gifts.mdanderson.org (Amy Peterson will receive MDA notifications as 1211 Plantation Meadows Drive, Richmond, TX 77406.

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