Inclusion nd Effective Relationships is , Jr .
A Legacy of Diversity and Inclusion Samuel Edward Mathis , Jr Jacinta Mathis Orlando , Florida July 2013
act1v1t1es . He made being a father important in life . I remember him getting up early in the morning to have a prayer time with our college student son Elliott Mathis . They would read and discuss Rick Warren ' s Purpose Driven Life Devotionals . Sam was the number one supporter and career coach for our daughter , Jacinta Camille Mathis Bowman .
Sam was committed to building a high level of success in his career and his family life , while also making a difference in his community .
It was a beautifully clear day and we were having Brunch at Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower over looking over Paris , France . The view was breath taking and with tears in my eyes I thanked my husband . As a girl growing up in New Orleans , Louisiana I never even dreamt I could be in Paris , touring , sightseeing , shopping , and experiencing all that Paris had to offer . Sam had brought so many wonderful experiences to my life and I was thankful . Thankful that we were in Paris , thankful for the wonderful children we raised together , thankful how he supported and encourage me to complete law school and develop my career and thankful for the rich texture of our lives , together . I cried because I never even imagined that life could be this good . In our thirty-five years of marriage this was our first trip abroad . We visited Madrid and Barcelona , Spain and Paris , France . We had two wonderful weeks together and within days he was gone .
Supporting college bound students was always critically important to Sam . Over the years our family has worked closely with United Negro Scholarship Fund , Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other community organizations . Sam graduated from Kansas State University after receiving a full scholarship and an employee education program allowed Sam to earn his MBA from Rollins College . I was one of the first in my extended family to go to college and law school . All made possible by scholarships , grants and financial aid . The Samuel E . Mathis Jr . Memorial Endowed Scholarship has been established to provide scholarships and support to college students pursuing careers in science , technology , engineering , and math . Contact United Negro College Fund at 407-896-6940 or at uncf . org to make a memorial gift .
I am so grateful for the expressions of love and support . I also appreciate the stories of how Sam lived his life well and touched so many . I am blessed to have shared my life with a wonderfully exciting and dynamic man . Our lives together were well spent .