Virginia Ellis Matthews, age 101, passed away on February 21, 2026, at J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home in Newberry, South Carolina. Born on December 6, 1924, in Greenville County, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Carl Preston Campbell and Mattie Lindsey Campbell.

Virginia attended high school in Whitmire, South Carolina, and went on to live a long, beautiful life marked by faith, devotion to family, and a generous spirit. She was widowed by her beloved husbands, M. Landrum Matthews and Edward E. Ellis. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Cleo Campbell Cooper; her brother, Carl P. Campbell Jr.; and her son-in-law, Bobby C. Singley.

Virginia was a dedicated member of Hunt Memorial Baptist Church and College Street Baptist Church, where her faith shaped the way she lived and loved. She was known for her steady, gentle nature, her joyful spirit, and her love of singing—often sharing songs with her family. She had a natural way of caring for others, always ready to help anyone in need.

Virginia worked at Glen-Lowry Mill in Whitmire, SC, and later at Damon International in Newberry, SC. Outside of her work, her greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose home was the heart of many cherished memories.

She was especially known for her baking—her homemade chocolate meringue pies and warm yeast rolls were family favorites. Each year, she lovingly hosted Thanksgiving at her Newberry home, gathering children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family around her table. Mother’s Days were often spent at Rose Hill Plantation in Union County, surrounded by laughter and generations of loved ones. Her presence brought joy to every family gathering and holiday.

Virginia loved to travel and treasured time spent in the mountains, at the lake and the beach. She had a sweet tooth and a special fondness for “silver bells” (Hershey’s Kisses). She was also an avid collector of mice figurines, each one carefully displayed and lovingly admired.

She is survived by her brother, Walter “Archie” Campbell; her daughters, Gail Ellis Singley of Lexington, SC, Elaine Ellis Long (Marion) of Orlean, VA, and Ann Ellis Leopard (Lemuel) of Clinton, SC; and her step-children, Caryon Dawsey and Lynn Matthews.

She leaves behind a legacy carried on by her grandchildren: Mary Ann Simons; Phyllis Ray (James); Michael Long (Karen); Kimberly Stuart; Lisa Long; Bradley Ellis (Piper); Jimmy Leopard (Steph); Wendell Leopard; and Doyle Leopard (Donna).

Her great-grandchildren include: William Simons (Courtney); Anna Oxendine; Nicholas Simons; Clara Robinson (Matthew); Alexander Ray (Kristin); Abigail Ray; Nelson Leopard (Jada); Skylar McCall (Ryan); Samuel Leopard, Ellie Long; and Orin, Ivey, & Arlo Ellis.

Her great-great-grandchildren include: Hayden and Toryn Noel; Charlotte, Walker, and Reagan Ray; Caroline Oxendine; Adalaide Robinson; Kara and Lema Leopard; and Preston McCall.

Pallbearers will be Michael Long, Bradley Ellis, William Simons, Alexander Ray, Nicholas Simons, and Nelson Leopard.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her caregiver, Teresa Sanders, and to Doris Shahid of VIA Health Partners, for their compassion and the loving care they provided to their mother.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:00 –7:30 p.m. at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at Newberry Memorial Gardens on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Chaplain Earl of VIA Health Partners.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.

Virginia’s life was a celebration of faith, family, and simple joys. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.