Jean Gordon Mattison
Jean Gordon Mattison, 90, died Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the home of her daughters in Lenexa. Jean was born to Clarence and Helen Smith Gordon in Emporia, KS.
She attended Emporia State Teachers College and was proud to have been personally hired by William Allen White to be a reporter on the Emporia Gazette, an opportunity afforded by the lack of men to fill jobs due to World War II. In 1944 she enlisted in the Women's Army Corps and served as a reporter on the Port of Embarkation News in New York City.
Jean married a fellow soldier and reporter, Henry Hall "Bud" Mattison in 1946. They moved to his hometown of Rutland, VT where he was an editor for the Rutland Herald.
They relocated to Lawrence, KS in 1962 where she lived until 2010, moving to Lenexa, KS to live with her daughters. While in Lawrence she loved her 31 years of working as an administrative assistant to three Deans of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1962; brother, Charles Gordon; and sister, Peg Carnine. She is survived by her daughters, Lynne and Barbara of Lenexa, Kathy of Wichita; grandchildren Jason, Brian, Matthew, Charles, and Katie. She is survived by sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Michael Bryant, brother-in-law, Lloyd Carnine, sister-in-law, Mary Gordon, son-in-law, Ramadan Khomsi, as well as nieces and nephews.
Jean survived several life challenges with humor, strength, and continued enjoyment of life. She loved her family, her pets, music, reading, good food, and anything KU. She will be missed.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence at 120 W. 13th Street. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City, KS.
In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in her name to the Lawrence Humane Society or Kansas City Hospice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Marcie Teel
November 19, 2013
I met Jean in the summer of 1977. Then, soon after that I became her grandson. I thank you for being the best Grandmother and thank you again for all the help. As we go on your memories will remain part of our lives; you rest in peace now
Ramadan
November 18, 2013
I met Jean in the summer of 1977. Then, soon after that I became her son in law. Jean was very helpful and giving. Thank you Jean for being great grandmother and thank you for all the help.
Ramandan
November 17, 2013
Even as a little kid, I was struck by Jean's kindness and cleverness. I'll never forget that about her. My condolences to her family. They were very lucky to have her, and I hope the good memories bring some comfort.
Megan Gleeson (Heacock)
November 17, 2013
I am grateful for the life of Mrs. Mattison. Thanks to her service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Bob
November 16, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful aunt. We will love and miss you always.
Sondra Hall
November 16, 2013
Lynne & family you all are in our prayers during these hard times. I know it will be easier to rest at night knowing she is at peace. Prayers & Strength, Bri Hotchkiss
Bri Hotchkiss
November 16, 2013
I was always proud to be related to her. She was an intelligent, hard-working woman who provided well for her family- especially after losing her husband while still having 3 young daughters to care for. I had the opportunity to see her in the work setting while in college in the Fine Arts department. She was a respected person in that department and liked by all. I will miss you Aunt Jean... Love, Lori
November 16, 2013
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11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044
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Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044
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