Janette Mathews

Life Reflections The Journey...a Life of Service, a Lagacy of Love Jeanette Mathews was born in Si. Louis, MO on March 30, 1932 to the union of Charles and Minnie Mathews. Her devoted parents were her touchstone and guided her throughout her days. Her education began in the St. Louis Public School District at Cole Elementary School. After graduating with honors from Sumner High School she went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Louis University. Although Jeanette was confronted with the obstacles of racism and sexism during her educational endeavors, her spirit, determination, supportive parents and faith allowed her to defy the odds and reap success. Her courageous spirit led her to the University of Denver where in 1956 she was conferred with a Master of Education with a concentration in Counseling. A true trailblazer, Jeanette was one of a hand-ful of African-Americans to achieve this goal. With degrees in hand, Jeanette returned to her educational roots - the St. Louis Public School District where she influenced the lives of countless children through her labor of love for forty-six years. She began her career at Hadley Technical High School (later known as Vashon), then after twenty-five years moved to Northwest High School and finally retired from Beaumont High School. Through her awe inspiring career, Jeanette Mathews advised and mentored the grandchildren of those she began with decades before. She guided, supported, inspired and listened to thousands of students over her years of service. She actively participated in numerous organizations and events to help young people to discover, pursue and fulfill their dreams. She used discerning diplomacy to create and secure opportunities to enhance the success of young adults. Jeanette was there for all young people, often at the most vulner-able time of their lives and she did so with sensitivity and compassion. Her love of people and dedication toinner city youth never ceased. Jeanette was truly committed to the St Louis community. She was born in the city; lived in the city, wor-shipped in the city and worked in the city for her entire career. The recipient of numerous certificates and re-cognitions, as well as social and civic awards, Jeanette remained quiet and unassuming. She was an avid champion of all things St. Louis including Channel Nine Public Television, The Botanical Garden, Forest ParkForever, St. Louis Public Library and every other worthy St. Louis cause that you can imagine. Jeanette was a long-standing member and supporter of the YWCA. She was a proud member of the NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Smithsonian Museum of African American History. Jeanette enjoyed the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and St. Louis sports teams. She felt blessed by the decades of camaraderie with the Thirteen Hearts Bridge Club. Throughout her life-long membership at Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church she actively participated in countless groups including singing in the choir, contributing to the Young Fellow-ship Council and the John E. Nance Scholarship committee. Always reserved and shy of the spotlight Jeanette was a dependable and loving daughter, sister, mother; grandmother, cousin, friend, co-worker, educator, neighbor and citizen. As one of her dear friends fondly stated "If ever there was an angel on earth, it was Jeanette Mathews". Jeanette leaves a devoted son Matthew (Avis) Causey and a dedicated sister Denise (Jeffrey) Thurmond to cherish her memory, forever grateful for the blessing of her role in their upbringing; grandchildren Mavis and Christopher; numerous cousins and a host of' beloved friends. Interment: Bellefontaine Cemetery4947 West Florissant AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63115 . Visitation Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Tuesday, November 24, 2020 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM 3200 Washington AvenueSt. Louis,, Missouri Directions Funeral Service Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Tuesday, November 24, 2020 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM 3200 Washington AvenueSt. Louis,, Missouri Directions