Virginia Timbes Mathews, 90
August 20, 1935 – May 14, 2026
Tupelo – Virginia Gail Timbes Mathews, 90, died peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice House. Virginia was born in New Orleans on Tuesday, August 20, 1935. She was the daughter of the late William Wilburn Timbes and Gladys Schubert Timbes. Virginia grew up in Tupelo, graduated from Tupelo High School, and also attended Mississippi State College for Women. She married the late William “Bill” Clinton Mathews Jr. on Saturday, September 18, 1954, and together they had three children.
Bill and Virginia treasured their life at the lake, which included, house boating and gathering with close friends and family. Virginia was an exceptional cook who loved exploring new recipes and bringing people together around the table to share a good meal. She was also a very creative woman and the owner of The Beehive Craft Shop. For many years, she taught classes in decoupage and ceramics. She was a longtime member of the Hoe and Hope Garden Club, where she continued to share her artistic flair through flower arranging.
Virginia also served her community as a past president and lifelong member of the Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo. One of her most cherished commitments, however, was her church. She was a lifelong member of All Saints Episcopal Church, where she faithfully served in many roles, including chairperson of the Altar Guild, Episcopal Church Women president, and member of the Vestry, among many others.
Virginia is survived by her three children, William Clinton “Matt” Mathews, III (Mary) of Magnolia, Texas, Lisa Mathews Wiygul (Jim) of Tupelo, and Gay Mathews Ramsey (Scott) of Tupelo; four grandchildren, James Coleman “Cole” Wiygul (Bridget) of Tupelo, William Jess Wiygul (Katie) of Tupelo, Jessica Ramsey Burke (Luke) of Tupelo, and Tyler Mathews Ramsey of Oxford; one sister, Cathy Sparks; and eight great-grandchildren.
The family would also like to recognize her niece and extraordinary caregiver, Cate Sparks, and extend a special thank you to the kind caregivers at Cedars and Sanctuary Hospice House.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church at 608 West Jefferson Street, Tupelo, MS 38801 or to the Sanctuary Hospice House at PO Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38801.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at All Saints Episcopal Church, Tupelo.
A memorial service will follow at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at All Saints Episcopal Church, Tupelo.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Sunday, May 17, 2026
1 p.m. – 2.30 p.m.
All Saints Episcopal Church,
608 West Jefferson Street, Tupelo, MS 38804
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Memorial service
Sunday, May 17, 2026
2.30 p.m.
All Saints Episcopal Church
