Mary Thomas Mathis leads Plant City as an educator and public official, and she gladly accepts the challenge of finding just the right place for each puzzle piece of her busy schedule.
Mathis grew up in Plant City and graduated in 1975, from Plant City High School. She graduated in 1980, from Clark College — now known as Clark Atlanta University — with a history degree and a minor in education. But, she had no plans to stay away from Plant City.
“I left to go to college, but I always wanted to come back to make my city better, and there’s no place like home,” Mathis says.
MADAME MAYOR
Mathis has held a spot on the Plant City Commission since 2000. Just last year, her fellow commissioners selected her to serve as mayor for the June 2013 to May 2014 term. She was just the second woman to hold the position — the first being Sadye Gibbs Martin, who was mayor for five terms in the 1980s.
The commonality between Mathis and Martin does not stop at gender, race and serving as mayor. Martin was also an educator. In fact, she was Mathis’ first-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School.
“She was who she was as an educator, commissioner and mayor,” Mathis says. “I wanted to stand in my own shoes.”
Current Mayor Rick Lott had nominated Mathis for the position in 2013.
“One of the great qualities about Mary is that she always wants to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to speak their mind,” Lott said in a 2013 interview with the Tampa Bay Times. “She’s very, very patient.”
Mathis says one of her biggest challenges as a commissioner has been staying up to date on all of the city’s laws and ordinances. At times throughout the years, disagreements have arisen among commissioners, but she has appreciated each commissioner with whom she has served.
“Each commission I’ve been on, we’ve been able to work well together, even though we have different opinions,” Mathis says. “We definitely respect each other.”
MATHIS THE EDUCATOR
Although she sees herself as a public representative for all people of Plant City, Mathis’ most prominent allegiance is to the city’s youth. She followed her mother’s footsteps by taking up a career in education.
“I love seeing (students’) growth, especially from the beginning of the year to the end of the year,” Mathis says. “And being able to impart a little wisdom and knowledge.”
Mathis also strives to encourage and motivate other educators in the community.
“I don’t think teachers get enough accolades for what they do,” she says.
After 30 years in education, Mathis does not show signs of stopping. She is currently the assistant principal for curriculum at Marshall Middle School.
One of her many responsibilities is to create the school’s master schedule of classes.
“I have about one month to get that done, so it’s very intense. … But it’s almost like the Rubik’s Cube puzzle,” Mathis says. “And I love puzzles.”
She and Principal Daphne Blanton have been working on an initiative to help Marshall become an International Baccalaureate magnet school. Plant City students can go through the IB program at Lincoln Elementary School and Plant City High School, but in-between, they currently have to go to an IB school in Tampa. Mathis and Blanton will be lobbying at county offices in hopes of getting Marshall on the IB track.
When she gets overwhelmed, Mathis has two go-to methods for relaxation: meditating and traveling with her husband, Tony Mathis, on cruises. Holding true to Plant City family values, Mathis said her biggest supporters have been her husband, parents and son.
“My husband, he’s always telling me, ‘Thank you,’” Mathis says. “He appreciates me, he loves me, he encourages me. He prays for me daily, and he always tells me that he’s praying for me.”
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
What was your first job?
I worked at my father’s catering business, and I worked at Felton’s on U.S. 92 in the deli.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher, and the reason was I was surrounded by educators. My mom was an elementary teacher, and all of her sisters were also educators — she was the baby of 13.
What’s the best advice you have for being successful?
Write your success plan on paper. Make sure you take it to the Lord in prayer, and once you hear from Him, that that’s the direction you should go in. Don’t stop until you reach that goal.
Who is your role model?
Jesus Christ, and that was shown to me by my parents at an early age, to make sure I follow his teachings.
What’s the hardest life lesson you’ve learned?
When I’ve started a project or a goal, and I’ve gotten discouraged and I stopped, eventually I’ll get back to it. But the lesson that I’ve learned is, it takes me a little bit longer. So if it’s something that’s really burning inside of you, don’t stop. My mom used to tell me it’s better to have something and not need it, than need it and not have it.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to make everyone fit and healthy.
What’s the No. 1 played song on your iPod?
My favorite song is the theme song from “The Lion King,” “The Circle of Life” by Elton John. We all have a beginning and an ending, and what we put in that circle is how we live our life.
If you were reincarnated as an animal, what animal would it be?
The lioness, because she is strong, swift and supportive of those that are close to her.
What’s your least favorite food?
I don’t like oysters, because they’re slimy.
Where would you go in a time machine?
I love where I am today. At this point in my life, I don’t want to go back. I’m just looking forward to the future.