Saluda, SC

Lavinia Matthews

Lavinia Minick Matthews, 95, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, at Self Regional Healthcare.

Born in Saluda County and a daughter of the late Sion Corley Minick and Lessie Cameron Minick, she was the wife of the late Lynwood "Buster" Aeiden Matthews. She faithfully served the Lord and her community throughout her life. For many years, Mrs. Lavinia worked as a trusted bookkeeper for Minick's Towing and Body Shop and Able Lumber Company.

A lifelong member of Saluda Baptist Church, she was deeply rooted in her faith. Mrs. Lavinia dedicated over 40 years to teaching Sunday School, touching countless lives with her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to sharing God's word.

She found great joy in the beauty of God's creation, especially through her love of flowers and gardening. As an active member of the Pyracantha Garden Club, she took pride in cultivating both gardens and friendships. Her passion for nurturing extended beyond plants, as she generously gave her time volunteering in the local school system and at Christ Central.

Above all, Mrs. Lavinia will be remembered for the lasting impact she made on her family, church, and community. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to bloom in the lives of all who knew her.

Surviving are a daughter, Cye M. Semrau of Seattle, WA, a son, Samuel K. Matthews (Lisa) of Cullowhee, NC, two brothers, Duane Minick (Dot) of Batesburg and S.C. Minick (Jean) of Florida, a sister-in-law, Margie Jean Minick of Saluda, eight grandchildren, Samuel Matthews (Kaya), Christopher Matthews (Hillary), Phoenix Semrau-Mellifera, Sarah Wooldridge (Jake), Mica Semrau, Rachel Nicholson (Justin), Walter Semrau, and Zebby Matthews (Kendall), and three great-grandchildren, Aeiden Matthews, Olivia Nicholson, and Mia Matthews.

Mrs. Lavinia was preceded in death by four siblings, Corburn Minick (Becky), Dwight Minick, Nadine Landes (Bob), and Ansel Minick (Vera).

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Monday March 23, 2026, at Saluda Baptist Church with Pastor Norman Rodgers and Pastor Paul Metts officiating. Interment will follow at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Christ Central, P.O. Box 53, 208 N. Main St., Saluda, SC 29138, Saluda Baptist Church, 112 West Wheeler Circle, Saluda, SC 29138, or Pyracantha Garden Club, c/o Mary Lou Burris, 108 Hazel Street, Saluda SC 29138.

Please share your memories and condolences online at www.rameyfuneralhome.com .