Mrs. Denise Lee-Mathis

Denise Eileen Lee-Mathis, the daughter of James Lee, Sr. and Gerone Stafford Thomas, was born July 3, 1963 in Philadelphia, PA.

She was educated in the Lowndes County School System and was a member of the 1981 graduating class of Lowndes High School. After graduation, she enlisted in the Unites States Army. Later, she returned back to her home town to answer yet another call of service—teaching.

Denise furthered her education and received a Bachelors of Special Education from Valdosta State College in 1988 and later in 2007, her Masters of Science in Education from Troy State University. She taught at Valdosta High School and at Wiregrass Technical College where she also served as the director of the Adult Education Program.

As a co-worker of God, she served as church announcer, choir member, Sunday School teacher, and minister in training at New Mt. Zion MBC.

On Saturday, April 2, 2016, the Lord whispered “Peace be thine”. She is preceded in death by a son: Thomas Mathis; a daughter: Lakisha Mathis; her step-mother: Frances Lee; mother in-law: Mercie Mathis; grandparents: Thomas and Hannah Stafford and Willie “Pop” and Florie Lee; and one brother-in-law: Jackie Mathis.

Denise leaves her legacy of love to her husband of 19years: Willie Charles Mathis; her daughter: Chaniece Mathis; a son: Dedrick Mathis (Daisy); mother: Gerone Stafford Thomas (Earl); father: James Lee, Sr.; sister: Sharon Lee-Brown (Traver); three brothers: James Lee, Jr., Keenan Glover (Terri), and Dennis Glover (Marcie); four aunts: Josie Cherry, Daisy Draton, Clara Lee and Lucille Lee; uncle: Kenneth Stafford; one sister-in-law: Wilma Davis; brothers-in-law: Roosevelt Mathis, Jr., and Harold Goodwine; a special cousin: Lois Stewart; five grandchildren: Reomeka, Brandon, Dajai, Dorian and Dariya; special friends: Amy Lollis, Cheryl Sands-Anderson, Diedra Miller, Betty Smith, Betty Howell, Stephanie Black, Katrina Royal, Rachel Hubbard, Michael Jenkins, and Annette Jenkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

The celebration of life for the late Mrs. Denise E. Lee-Mathis will be held Saturday, April 9,2016 at 2:00pm in the sanctuary of Morning Star Baptist Church.

Dr. William C. Morgan is the pastor.

Pastor Dedrick Mathis will officiate.

Interment will follow in the New Mt. Zion Church Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held in the Godfrey Funeral Home Chapel, Friday, April 8, 2016 from 10:00am - 8:00pm.