Mrs. Mary Matheson Swain Pate

December 18, 1919 - May 31, 2019

Mary Matheson Swain Pate Graveside services for Mary Matheson Swain Pate, will be held Monday, June 3, 2019 at 4:00 PM at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will follow the service. Mary died Friday, May 31, 2019 at her daughter’s home in Putney. She was 99 years old. She accomplished her goal by living into her 100th year. She was born in Alturas, FL on December 18, 1919 and moved with her parents, David and Helen Matheson to Albany in 1937. She married L.T. Swain in 1954 and lived in Arlington, where they owned and ran the weekly newspaper “Tri-County Courier.” They moved to Memphis, TN in 1959. Following Mr. Swain’s death in 1990, she moved back to Albany. Mary served as a volunteer at PPMH, where she met and later married Sam S. Pate in 1995. In marrying Sam, she inherited a son, Sam Pate, Jr., two daughters, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Her life was suddenly filled with new experiences and family activities. She embraced everyone with kindness and love. Following Sam’s death in 2007, she continued to live in Putney, cared for by her daughter Phyllis Hodges and husband, Wendell. Mary moved to Pine Shadows Retirement Manor in Sylvester in 2014. In 2015 Mary returned Putney to live with her daughter Linda and husband Pat. During her lifetime, Mary demonstrated a strong Christian faith. As an adult, she served as a missionary on the streets of New York City. She always encouraged others to live righteously and follow Christ. Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Putney. She enjoyed gardening throughout her life and had a great love for flowers. She cherished the cards and visits from friends and family. During her latter days she greatly appreciated the care provided by Phoebe Hospice and the special kindness of Kathleen Guy. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, David and Helen Matheson and six siblings. Three brothers, Harold Matheson, Kenneth Matheson and Leslie Matheson. Three sisters, Flora Matheson, Clara McGehee and Helen Davis. Mary is survived by a number of nieces and nephews, including Jack Davis, Violet Johnson, Ida Mae Kummer, Barbara Norris and Scott Swain. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations for First Baptist Church of Putney of Phoebe Hospice. To share your thoughts with the Pate family, you may visit our website at www.kimbrellstern.com.