Michael John Mathews, 34, residing in Wilmington, NC passed away on 3/2/2023.
Michael was born on January 22, 1989, and grew up in Charlotte, NC, attending Charlotte Catholic High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2014 and his Master of Arts degree in Psychology in 2016 from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He went on to further his education at West Virginia University, taking steps towards earning his PhD, and attained his Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification in 2017.
After completing his education, Michael worked in West Virginia, providing applied behavior analytic services to children in clinic, home, and school settings. In 2020, he moved back to Wilmington, NC after accepting a position at the Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health, where he worked for the past three years as the Associate Director for their Early Learner Program.
Michael was an avid outdoor enthusiast and loved camping, hiking, skiing, kayaking and biking. He was very artistically inclined and enjoyed creating music in his free time with his synthesizers and music equipment. He loved attending concerts, especially of his two favorite bands: STS9 and Umphrey’s McGee. Michael was intelligent, thoughtful and kind and also had an incredible sense of humor and a quick wit. In Michael’s presence, laughter was guaranteed.
Michael is survived by his mother Cathy Maya-Mathews, father John Mathews, brother Matthew (Sarah) Maya, sister Michele (Kirk) Beilman, sister Sarah (Michael) Hutson, grandparents Bernard and Dorothy Wenning, nieces and nephews: Bryson, Christian, Avery, Kayliegh, Ashlyne, and Mariela, his cat Neville, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a large community of friends who all loved and will miss Michael very much.
A Memorial Service has been scheduled for Saturday, April 15th, at the White Water Center in Charlotte, NC at 2PM at the Ridge Pavillion (5000 Whitewater Center Parkway Charlotte, NC 28214).
The family has created a Memorial Facebook page, where memories, photos, and additional information on the Memorial Service will be posted. Please join our Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/161630706723466/
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be sent to the Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health at 720 St. James Drive Wilmington NC, 28403. Michael was very excited about the new space that CPBH had been planning, and the ability to install an outdoor playground for the kids. Donations made toward CPBH are non tax deductible and the Center is not permitted to accept donations from current clients and their families. All donations will fund the installation of the new playground, which will be dedicated to Michael.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S.41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099
Tribute Wall