Shelby Davis Mathews

Shelby Davis Mathews, of Youngsville, NC, surrounded by her loving family, entered the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 12, 2025.

Born on November 12, 1937, in West Virginia, Shelby was the daughter of the late Henry and Alice Davis. A gifted musician and dedicated educator, she earned a Bachelor of Music Education from James Madison College. Her teaching journey began in 1959 in Bristol, VA, and continued in Clarksville, VA, Durham, and Gastonia, NC. She was the first full-time music teacher at Clarksville Elementary and Junior High School and faithfully taught private piano lessons for over 25 years.

Shelby’s heart for ministry touched countless lives. She served as Minister of Music at Cresset Baptist Church, where she and her beloved husband, Dr. Ned L. Mathews, co-founded Cresset Christian Academy in 1972. There, she taught kindergarten and music across all grade levels and joyfully led a Bible class for young married women.

In 1981, the Mathews moved to Gastonia when Ned was called to pastor Parkwood Baptist Church. Shelby served as Education Director, led the Women’s Ministry, and directed the 55-voice Senior Adult Choir. Her warm leadership, deep faith, and love for others brought strength and joy to every ministry she led.

After retiring from Parkwood, the couple settled in Youngsville, NC, where Dr. Mathews taught at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Shelby continued to pour into others by teaching in the Women’s Certificate Program at the seminary and mentoring many women in their spiritual journeys. She and Ned also found great joy in their mountain cabin in Black Mountain, NC—a cherished retreat they lovingly called “Heaven on Earth.”

Shelby and Ned shared 62 wonderful years of marriage and ministry. Together, they raised two daughters, Alisa and Melinda, and delighted in their growing family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren—her greatest earthly joy.

A creative spirit, Shelby loved scrapbooking and was especially known for her beautifully handmade cards, which often included a clever riddle. Her playfulness and love of fun added warmth to everything she did.

Shelby deeply loved God’s Word and lived daily by the promises of Scripture. She was a woman of steadfast prayer and vibrant faith, often seeing clear and specific answers from the Lord. One of her favorite verses was Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Her joyful spirit, contagious laughter, and readiness to share a testimony left a lasting impression on everyone she met. A gracious hostess and wonderful cook, Shelby welcomed friends, family, and even strangers into her home, where all experienced the love of Jesus firsthand.

She is survived by her daughters, Alisa Bentley (Kevin) of Raleigh, and Melinda Dilworth (Ron) of Gastonia; grandchildren, Allison Creagh (Jimmy), Mark Bentley (Jamie), Luke Bentley (Madi), Matthew Robinson (Danna), Cole Dilworth, and Trent Dilworth; and great-grandchildren, Lily, Paxton, Stella, Allisson, Jayden, Elliot, Elizabeth, Davis, Joanna, Sophia, Elle, and Jones.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Transitions LifeCare Hospice for their excellent care and compassion for Shelby during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ned Mathews Scholarship Fund, Parkwood Baptist Church, 1827 Dixon Road, Gastonia, NC 28054.

A family burial will be held at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Cemetery, Wake Forest, NC.

A Celebration Service will be held at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614, on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at 2:30 pm. The family will receive friends following the service. Service may be viewed by visiting the following link: https://unlisted.bayleaf.org/

Shelby’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the faith she modeled, and the love she gave so generously.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com