Patricia (Matheny) Lanford

Pat Lanford 

WOODRUFF- Patricia (Pat) Ann Matheny Lanford, 87, a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend went home to be with the Lord on February 19, 2023.  

  Pat was the daughter of the late George A. and Willie Harris Matheny of Henrietta, NC. She was the wife of the late Frank Lanford, Jr. (deceased April 1, 1997) of Woodruff, SC.  She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Tammy Lanford Starosto (Frank) of Roebuck, SC, and Melissa Lanford Jones (Frank) of Summerville, SC.  Pat, affectionately known as Granny, is survived by grandchildren Michael Starosto (Margaret) of Woodstock, GA, Patrick Starosto of Roebuck, SC, and Tyler Renee Jones (fiancé Evan Cooke) of Summerville, SC and great grandchildren Liam and Maddie Starosto of Woodstock, GA.  She is also survived by 4 nieces and 2 nephews.  Her memory lives with many other special family members and friends. 

  Pat was the last surviving member of her immediate family.  She had 1 brother; the late Melvin “Bud” Matheny (Florence) of Henrietta, NC and 5 sisters; the late Ganelle Matheny of Henrietta, NC, the late Essie Stiles (John) of Stanley, NC, the late Louise Green Gray (Jim Green and Tom Gray) of Spartanburg, SC, the late Ruby Matheny of Henrietta, NC, and the late Marie Hopper (Dewitt) of Henrietta, NC. 

  Pat attended Gardner-Webb Junior College and was a Cum Laude graduate of Limestone College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Music.  She completed graduate studies at Furman and Clemson Universities.  

  A retired schoolteacher, Pat taught first grade for one year in Boiling Springs, NC after graduating from Limestone College in 1957.  She then taught first grade the following year in Junction City, Kansas while her husband, Frank, was in military service.  Pat taught first grade the next 40 years in Woodruff District Four Schools.  She dearly loved teaching and working with children.  She retired from public school teaching in 2000.  Her life’s goal was to help each child love school and develop to his or her highest potential.  She encouraged her students to be the best student he or she could possibly be.  

  Pat was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Woodruff.  She had previously served as the Music Director of Northside Baptist Church for many years.  Being the Music Director at Northside Baptist Church and assisting in the Ministry of (formerly)Montrose Assisted Living at Cornerstone Baptist Church brought joy to her life. 

  A funeral service will be held in her honor on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary in Woodruff.  Interment will follow at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens.  

  In lieu of flowers, Pat’s wishes were for donations to be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church, 9480 Hwy. 221, Woodruff, S.C. 29388 or Gibbs Cancer Center/Spartanburg Regional Foundation, 101 East Wood Street, Spartanburg, S.C. 29303 

  Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary, Woodruff