Mrs. Patricia “Pat” Jean Mathers formerly of North Henderson and Galesburg, passed away at the Courtyard Estates of Knoxville at the age of 99, March 3, 2026.
Pat was born in Bay City, Michigan on September 12, 1926, the daughter of Sigard and Opal (Craig) Clark. She spent her early life in Chicago where she lived until her family moved to the country near Rio. At 19 years, she taught at Mt. Vernon School near North Henderson where she met her husband, Gene Mathers. They married in 1949 and became parents of David, Laura and Elizabeth.
In her 40’s she completed her degree in education from Monmouth College. She worked at Harrington Home, First Galesburg Bank and Bergner’s.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, son David, daughter Laura, and twin brothers, Robert and Richard.
Pat is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (David) Timmons of East Moline, Illinois, daughter-in-law, RoseMary Mathers of North Henderson, Illinois, son-in-law, Jay Brandenburg of Oceanside, California; grandchildren, Melissa, Molly, David, Katie, Sara, Emily, Chris and four great grandchildren.
A special thank you to the staff at Courtyard Estates for their continuous compassion and care.
Visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services. Graveside services will follow at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery in North Henderson, Illinois with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Memorials may be made in Pat’s memory to the FISH Foundation (876 W. Main, Suite A, Galesburg, Il 61401) or Galesburg Rescue Mission (547 N. Farnham St. Galesburg, Illinois 61401). Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
