Barbara Mathis Cavender

Barbara Mathis Cavender passed away on April 29 at the age of 78. Barbara was remarkable individual whose life was filled with adventure, travel, love, passion and kindness. Born March 11, 1946, Barbara spent her early childhood in LaGrange, Georgia before her family moved to Atlanta. Throughout her life, she always treasured returning to LaGrange to visit her late grandparents George and Rose Daniel; her Uncle and Aunt, James and Olga Daniel; her cousins, Jim and George Daniel; and her life-long best friend, Susan Hammett Poole. As a young girl, Barbara showed her passion for animals and the outdoors learning to ride horses and fish in the pond on her grandfather’s farm on the Old West Point Road. In 1957, at the age of 11, Barbara’s family moved to the “big city,” though Atlanta in that era was a much smaller place than today. Barbara was a product of a time when Garden Hills, Peachtree Hills and Buckhead were in many ways still a small town. Barbara attended fabled North Fulton High where she was a member of the Pepperettes, active in numerous school and civic activities, and was a remarkable student. She had a wide cadre of friends, and like so many in that simpler era, she loved to hang out at the soda fountain at the Garden Hills drugstore. While life and work took her many places, she always had a quiet pride in being a “Buckhead girl.” After graduating from North Fulton High in 1964, she attended Wesleyan College in Macon. Following college, Barbara worked in management positions in the airline industry including Eastern Airlines before finding the joy and serenity of the North Georgia Mountains where she spent the last half of her life. Barbara enjoyed many wonderful years with John Cavender, her husband and the love of her life, and spending time with friends and family in the beautiful home they built with a panoramic view in the mountains just outside of Dahlonega. Nothing gave her greater joy than the love and devotion of her husband and her family and friends who cared for her so deeply. Barbara was a devoted wife who also was John’s loving caretaker in the last years of his life. Barbara was an entrepreneur, hard worker and fiercely independent. She founded and operated a successful design and fabric business in Dawsonville for a number of years. Barbara also was a talented artist and had a particular love for pottery. She often made beautiful ceramic pieces and enjoyed working in her home studio even after retirement. Barbara’s adventuresome spirit was reflected in her many world travels visiting numerous countries and continents. She enjoyed the language, culture, food and history of different peoples reflecting her curiosity and keen mind. Of course, as all her knew her were well aware, Barbara’s capacity for caring was not just for her husband, family and friends. She was an animal lover, and her dogs, and also the deer, birds and even the occasional bears she fed daily, gave her great happiness especially in her last years after John’s passing. Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Hugh Cavender, her parents Benton J. Mathis, Sr. and Vivian Daniel Mathis, and sister Elizabeth Teresa Mathis. Barbara is survived by her son Michael Andrews and daughter-in-law Danielle Andrews of New York City; daughter Lara Eddleman and son-in-law Jon Eddleman of Dahlonega, GA; her brother Benton J. Mathis, Jr. and sister-in-law Mary Anne Mathis of Marietta, GA; three grandchildren, Madison Eddleman Meese of Woodstock, GA, Davis Eddleman of Knoxville Tennessee, and Dylan Andrews of New York City; and four nieces and nephews, United States Marine Corps. Capt Benton J. Mathis, III of Swansboro, NC, Joseph Madison Mathis of Buford, GA, Annabelle Faith Mathis of Golden, Colorado, and Patricia Rose Mathis of Marietta, GA. Her family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and staff of the critical care unit of Northeast Georgia Hospital who provided her excellent care as she valiantly fought to overcome her sudden illness. Her family also is thankful for the staff of the Kennesaw Mountain Hospice in Marietta where she spent her final days in the shadow of the historic mountain before peacefully leaving this earth. Barbara was a special and kind spirit and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. As was typical of her selfless attitude, she was adamant that there be no funeral or fuss over her passing. Barbara shared a love and appreciation of our great nation with John, a 101st Airborne Ranger and decorated Vietnam combat veteran. She will be interred next to him at the Georgia National Cemetary in Canton. For those wishing to make a memorial in Barbara’s honor, please do so to a charity of your choice.

Barbara Mathis Cavender

March 11, 1946 - April 29, 2024