Share this Tribute
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Carol A. Mathias
Carol Ann Chapman Mathias, 71, of Houma, LA, passed away January 16, 2017, after a long battle with cancer.
Carol was born in Decatur, TX, to the late Mattie Laverne Hartsell Chapman and Henry Vernon Chapman, and grew up in Shawnee, OK. She obtained a BA and MA in American History and MLIS from the University of Oklahoma. From 1990-2010, Carol served as Archivist and Head of Special Collections and eventually as Library Director of Ellender Memorial Library at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA, and achieved the rank of Associate Professor. She was active in a variety of faculty and professional organizations, and was a past president of the Louisiana Archives and Manuscripts Association and the Society of Southwest Archivists. She served on multiple committees in the American Library Association and was the recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. She was active in the Lafourche Heritage Society and the Society of American Archivists as well. Carol also served on the Dean’s Council and various university committees.
Preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bobby Don Chapman, Carol is survived by her son, Michael Mathias, Jr., his fiancée Allyson Pooré and their family of Norman, OK; nieces and nephews Tim and Kristi (Chapman) Riley of Stillwater, OK, Britt Chapman of Dallas, TX, Casey Chapman of Hutto, TX, Shay and Sara Chapman of Shawnee, OK, Kelli and Jorge Cobarrubias of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law, Kimberly Chapman, of Shawnee, OK; and 8 beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.
Carol loved traveling, reading, oil painting, quilting and genealogy. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and cherished those relationships. Carol requested that thanks be given to the many friends and family members who supported her and brought her comfort and great joy throughout her long illness.
Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Carol’s favorite charity, SmileTrain (www.smiletrain.org/donation).
Michael Mathias says
A short celebration of my mother’s life will he held at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee, Ok. Saturday 1/21/2017 at 11:30 am by the gazebo.
Carol Ann Hartman says
Michael, I am Trisha’s friend, and I saw your beautiful mom’s photo on FB. I looked twice because she and I share the same name and we are close in age. Lots of Carol
Ann’s after WW11. I realized her author son is you, Trishas friend, and I had to offer my condolences for losing your mama. Sounds like she fought a long and tough battle with that mean cancer. You wrote a nice obit for her. She obviously loved learning and I’m sure she was a great force in you becoming a writer. I send you prayers to get you thru not having your mom here with you. Blessings!!
Cindy Wasemiller says
Carol was one of a kind …so full of love for life and love for her friends (NEW and those from her youth) Eight of Carol’s friends were blessed to go to Alaska on a cruise… those memories are priceless❗️ Carol was our spark plug and we will miss her always!