Delores Jean Piller Matheney passed away on February 9, 2023. She was 77 years old.
Born on August 29, 1945 in Dermott, Arkansas, Jean was the youngest of five children born to Calvin and Eula Piller in Dermott, Arkansas. Jean graduated from T.W. Daniels High School in Crossett, Arkansas in 1962, and it was there she would meet her high school sweetheart, W. J. Matheney, who would later become her husband. Jean and Bishop W. J. Matheney were married on August 26, 1967. Jean would graduate from Tennessee State University with a B.A., and received a Masters Degree in Education from Stetson University.
Jean held many roles throughout her life. She was a teacher and assistant principal at St. Petersburg High School and Eastlake High School. She was a track coach, a Sunday School teacher, and a First Lady. Undoubtedly, her favorite roles were those of mother and grandmother. She adored her only child Erik, and his wife, Suchita, and her beloved grandchildren, Ellis, Maya, and Evan. Whether it was attending sporting events, school performances, or spending holidays together, Jean was happiest when surrounded by her family.
Jean was the First Lady of Eastlake Church of God in Christ for over 45 years and the First Lady of the Western Florida Jurisdiction since 2010. She was known for her beautiful smile, sharp intellect, quick humor, generosity, and her ability to make anyone feel special. Jean knew no strangers. But most of all, she was known for her true love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She always had a song on her lips and a praise to share.
Jean is survived by her husband of over 55 years, Bishop W.J. Matheney and her son, Erik (Suchita), and her three grandchildren, Ellis, Maya, and Evan, her siblings, Charles Piller (Faye), Tom Piller (Marie), and Mary McKeel. She is also survived by countless close cousins, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and many, many friends. Delores Jean Piller Matheney will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Arrangements for Celebrating the Life of Lady Delores Jean Matheney
All services will be held at Eastlake Cathedral Church of God in Christ, 4820 Floramar Terrace, New Port Richey, FL, 34652
Wake:
Friday, February 24, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Homegoing Celebration:
Saturday, February 25, 2023, 11:00 am
Viewing, 9:30 – 10:45 am
Eastlake Cathedral Church of God in Christ
Eastlake Cathedral Church of God in Christ
Eastlake Cathedral Church of God in Christ
Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens
Leslie
February 22, 2023, 1:00 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you and your family.
Paula Dulin
February 22, 2023, 11:27 am
Rest in peace Jean
Vettina Sowell
February 22, 2023, 1:41 pm
Rest in Peace. Vettina Sowell St Pete High (class of 1981)
Amanda Buffinton
February 22, 2023, 2:31 pm
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, Erik. You are in my prayers.
Ella Shenhav
February 22, 2023, 2:43 pm
I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
Anthony Porcelli
February 22, 2023, 8:55 pm
Ms. Matheney was an amazing woman, who leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness and giving to her friends, students, church and community. More significantly, she has left a lasting imprint of love and inspiration upon her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. She will be missed by so many. My sincerest condolences to the Matheney family.
Leslie Joel Barnett
February 22, 2023, 11:11 pm
Erik, please accept my condolences on the loss of your mom. I am sorry I never met her, the remarks and obituary reflect a strong, wise woman who raised a good son. May her memory be a blessing for all time.
Kenneth Hawkins
February 23, 2023, 2:34 am
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Matheney Family. She was one of my teachers at St. Petersburg High School. She was a very nice person. (Class of 1978)
Wanda Jones McGinister
February 23, 2023, 5:59 pm
Sending condolences to Joe W. Matheney and family for the loss of your beautiful love one Jean. Both of your families left a positive imprint on our hometown, Crossett. (Clyde Jones, Ellawease Jones, Lucille Jones Smith, Wanda Jones McGinister).
Debby O'Neal
February 23, 2023, 6:04 pm
Eric,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debby
Pamela Jones
February 23, 2023, 8:31 pm
I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with the Piller/Matheney families.
Dr. Dannette Fishburne Scott
February 25, 2023, 9:19 am
I will always cherish my memories of Lady Delores Jean Matheney. She was beautiful example of Finer womanhood.
LaShanda Jordan
April 4, 2023, 3:30 pm
My condolensces to the Matheney Family, and Eastlake Cathedral Church of God in Christ during this time. I met Lady Jean once through ministry, and I have always heard great things about her. Her spirit was so warm and welcoming. My heartfelt Prayers are extended to Bishop Matheney, her family, and all of those who loved her and whose lives she impacted so well.
Darlene A Fisher
July 25, 2023, 10:18 am
My condolences to the Matheney family. I was a student at SPHS and Mrs. Matheney was my FBLA teacher and mentor. She was an Amazing woman and a bright light for so many students, and I feel blessed to have had her in my life. 🙏🌺💥
Christina Berry
August 29, 2023, 11:21 pm
Ms. Matheney was a major reason that our son is an Engineer today. Both of our children loved and appreciated everything she did for each of them.
We are very sorry for the Matheney family loss.