Smith Michele L. (Shelley) Mathis
Michele L. Mathis Smith who bravely fought the battle of her young life with courage strength determination and unwavering support from family and friends and with those persons at her bedside lost her battle to cancer on January 25 2013 at the age of 37. ""Shelley"" was born May 19 1975 at Halifax Hospital and was a lifelong resident growing up in Port Orange. She was a 1993 graduate of Spruce Creek High and attended Daytona Community College. After graduating she became interested in and obtained her Insurance license and had worked for several local agencies both here and in the Orlando area as an Assistant Underwriter and Underwriter. On December 11 2010 she married her husband Stephen D. Smith and established their home in South Daytona. While not having children of her own Shelley was blessed with a ""step daughter"" Anabel whom she cared for dearly. Her love of animals was one of her favorite things having had two beagles Petey and Bagel and raising them since puppies. In October 2011 one month after being diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer and prior to beginning her treatments she and friends and associates from her job as well as her Aunt Becky and her dad participated in the Cancer Walk. She was determined to participate the next year but the side effects from her chemotherapy prevented her from doing so. Shelley leaves behind many friends co-workers and family members to cherish and carry her memory forward. Her ""Little Sisters"" Rene Carol Summer Kim and Angie whom she grew up with as a child all had a special place in her heart. She is survived by her husband Stephen and step daughter Anabel her parents David and Virginia Mathis of Port Orange her brother Bryan (Briana) of Ormond Beach and her niece and nephew Brenna and Billy Mathis as well as many aunts uncles and cousins. Her husband's family members were very special and meant so much to her giving not only their love but support and being there for her when needed. Shelley's entire family gives thanks to her team of doctors who have been with her and helped her through many adversities and provided the care she needed to get through many of the pitfalls she had to face and endure. Without the dedication and assistance of Dr. Gregory Favis Dr. Mark White Dr. Brad Factor and Dr. Sergio Zamora she could not have gone as far and made what small progress she did with the disease. The nurses and CNA's on the 7th. Floor Oncology Unit at Halifax Hospital. Your endless tireless hours of care and treatment during her stays in the hospital show the true person each and every one of you are and the dedication you have for this type of nursing. You are ""special angels"" to do this work. And finally the Oncology Nurses who were there to administer her chemotherapy sessions. True dedicated heroes that touch so many lives every day. Words cannot express the gratitude and feelings for all of you. You helped Shelley make this experience a little easier to get through on good days and bad with your kindness attention and love you showed to her. She loved all of you. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday January 30 2013 from 6:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona 1423 Bellevue Ave Daytona Beach Florida 32114. A funeral service will be on Thursday January 31 2013 at 10:00 A.M at South Daytona Christian Church 2121 Kenilworth Ave South Daytona Florida 32119 with Interment following at Daytona Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Shelley's name. Condolences may be shared with Shelley's family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.