Mindy Mathis VanZant

Mindy R. Mathis VanZant, age 41 years, a resident of Eldorado and a former resident of Vienna, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, July 31, 2015, at 2:08 AM at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado. Mindy was born September 1, 1973 in Paducah, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Charles E. “Eddie” Mathis and Nancy L. (Simmons) Mathis. Mindy was united in marriage to Brad L. VanZant on February 15, 2013 in Harrisburg, Illinois. He survives. In addition to her husband, Mindy is survived by her mother and stepfather – Nancy L. and William R. Belford of Grantsburg; 5 children – Katelyn Nichole McKenzie of Eldorado, C.J. McKenzie of Eldorado, Christopher Ryan McKenzie of Salem, Angel Rishae McKenzie of Metropolis, and Samuel McKenzie of Wayne City; 3 step children – Jacob C. Vanzant stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune North Carolina, Quinlyn T. VanZant and Alyson P. VanZant both of Eldorado; 2 grandchildren – Miya Rishae Lynch and Ava Renee Lynch; a sister – Marsha Lynn Dodson of Olive Branch; 2 brothers – Timothy Allen Mathis of Carbondale and Michael Charles Mathis of Thebes; a half sister – Alice Faye Parkhurst; 2 nephews – Nicholas and Frankie; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to her father, Mindy was preceded in death by an infant brother – Charles E. Mathis, Jr. Mindy was a graduate of Vienna High School. She also earned a certificate in cosmetology from Shawnee Community College. Mindy had been employed as a tax preparer by Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service. She had also worked in the sales department of Black Diamond Harley Davidson in Marion as well as Marion Ford. More recently, Mindy was employed as an administrative assistant by Ward Chrysler in Carbondale. Mindy was of the Christian faith and had attended the Vienna First Baptist Church. Mindy was a registered foster parent and had provided loving care and nurturing to many children through the years. She particularly had a heart for unwanted children and those with special needs. Mindy enjoyed cycling and riding her Harley. She had also acquired a love for jeep riding and being in the mud. The family received friends and relatives at a visitation that was held Monday evening, August 3, 2015, beginning at 5 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. A private graveside service and interment was conducted on Tuesday. The family suggests that contributions in memory of Mindy should be made to any organization that helps or assists children in some meaningful way.

Mindy Mathis VanZant

September 1, 1973 - July 31, 2015